Tar and chip driveways in Leicestershire
Tar and chip driveways in Leicestershire are priced from a site survey and an itemised specification, adjusted for the East Midlands rates.

How much does a tar and chip driveway cost in Leicestershire?
Rates in Leicestershire follow the East Midlands, about 2% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tar and chip drive with a new sub-base | £44–£74 per m² |
| Example: 50 m² drive | £2,200–£3,700 |
| Example: 100 m² drive | £4,400–£7,350 |
| Example: 200 m² drive | £8,400–£13,950 |
Towns we cover in Leicestershire
- Leicester
- Loughborough
- Hinckley
- Coalville
- Wigston
- Melton Mowbray
- Market Harborough
- Oadby
- Earl Shilton
- Mountsorrel
- Braunstone
Postcode areas: CV, LE.
What is included?
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
- Loose surplus chippings swept up after a few days
- Second coat where a double dressing is specified
Rules in Leicestershire
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. Any new or widened crossing over the pavement needs approval from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).
Tar and chip driveways in Leicestershire: questions
How much does a tar and chip driveway cost in Leicestershire?
As a 2026 guide, about £44–£74 per m² inc VAT in Leicestershire. The survey confirms a fixed price.
Which towns in Leicestershire do you cover?
Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley, Coalville, Wigston, Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough, Oadby and more.
How long does a tar and chip driveway take?
Often 1–3 days depending on base work.
Can tar and chip go over my old tarmac?
Yes, if the old tarmac is sound. It is a cost-effective way to refresh a tired drive with a new look.
Other services in Leicestershire
Get a written tarmac quote
Send a postcode and a rough size and we'll arrange a survey. Every quote lists the layers, edging, drainage and VAT.
- Surface courseDEPTH + MIX
- Binder courseDEPTH + MIX
- Sub-baseDEPTH + MATERIAL
- Edges, drainage, VATITEMISED