Tar and chip driveways in Skelmersdale

What does a tar and chip driveway cost in Skelmersdale?

These Skelmersdale guide prices reflect rates in the North West, about 3% below our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tar and chip drive with a new sub-base	£44–£73 per m²
Example: 50 m² drive	£2,200–£3,650
Example: 100 m² drive	£4,350–£7,300
Example: 200 m² drive	£8,300–£13,800

As a 2026 guide in Skelmersdale, tar and chip driveway work runs at about £44–£73 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £2,200–£3,650. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

What the price covers

Tar and chip, also called surface dressing, is a layer of bitumen sprayed onto a prepared base and immediately covered with stone chippings, which are rolled in so the surface looks like gravel but behaves like a bound drive.

Base prepared: new MOT Type 1 sub-base, or an existing sound tarmac or stone base
Hot bitumen or emulsion sprayed evenly
Chippings spread straight onto the binder
Rolled to bed the stones in
Second coat where a double dressing is specified

Planning and kerb rules for Skelmersdale

In England, a new hard surface over 5 m² in front of a house needs planning permission unless it is porous or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Where we work in and around Skelmersdale

Skelmersdale at a glance. Skelmersdale sits 15 miles from Preston, within our regular Lancashire cover.

Postcodes: WN8
Area: Lancashire
Nearest towns: Ormskirk (5 miles), Wigan (6 miles), Kirkby (7 miles), Ashton-in-Makerfield (7 miles)
Pricing: North West, about 3% below our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Ormskirk, Wigan, Kirkby, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Haydock.

Questions about tar and chip driveways in Skelmersdale

How long does a tar and chip driveway take in Skelmersdale?

Often 1–3 days depending on base work. We book Skelmersdale surveys alongside other jobs in Lancashire, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Do you work in my part of Skelmersdale?

We cover Skelmersdale including WN8, and nearby Ormskirk, Wigan, Kirkby.

Will someone visit before I get a fixed price in Skelmersdale?

Yes for new surfacing such as drives, paths, private roads and car parks. Small repairs are often priced from photos; if a visit is needed for a repair-only job, we tell you any charge first.

Are there planning or highway rules in Skelmersdale?

In England, a new hard surface over 5 m² in front of a house needs planning permission unless it is porous or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. Dropped kerbs are approved by the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Other work in Skelmersdale

Ready for a price in Skelmersdale? Use the guide price tool or send the form, and we'll arrange a visit.