Tarmac driveway resurfacing in Cornwall

How much does tarmac resurfacing cost in Cornwall?

Rates in Cornwall follow the South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac resurfacing over a sound existing base	£26–£46 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£850–£1,550
Example: 50 m² drive	£1,300–£2,300
Example: 80 m² drive	£2,050–£3,700

Towns we cover in Cornwall

Postcode areas: PL, TR.

What is included?

Tarmac resurfacing, or an overlay, means cleaning and repairing an existing drive, spraying a bond coat and laying a new surface course of about 25–40 mm on top, without digging out the base.

Survey of the existing base: sinking, rutting, loose edges and drainage
Cut out and patch failed areas before overlaying
Plane or cut back at thresholds, kerbs and covers so levels still work
Bond (tack) coat sprayed to glue the new layer to the old
New surface course, typically 25–40 mm, laid hot and rolled
Edges sealed and joints to existing surfaces cut neatly

Rules in Cornwall

In England, householder permitted development (Class F of the 2015 General Permitted Development Order) lets you lay a hard surface in front of a house without planning permission if it is porous, or if the rainwater is directed to a permeable area within the property. If the area is more than 5 m² and neither applies, you need permission. Standard dense tarmac is not porous, so a dense tarmac drive needs a lawn, border, channel to a soakaway or other permeable route for its water. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).