Tarmac driveway resurfacing in Harlow

Tarmac resurfacing prices in Harlow

Local guide rates for Harlow (the East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint):

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac resurfacing over a sound existing base	£26–£47 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£870–£1,550
Example: 50 m² drive	£1,300–£2,350
Example: 80 m² drive	£2,100–£3,800

As a 2026 guide in Harlow, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £26–£47 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £870–£1,550. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Planning and kerb rules for Harlow

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. If the job needs a dropped kerb, the highway authority (the county or unitary council) approves it before any work on the footway.

What the price covers

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
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

Where we work in and around Harlow

The key facts for Harlow. We cover Harlow as part of our regular Essex rounds.

Postcodes: CM20, CM18, CM17, CM19, CM21, CM16
Area: Essex
Nearest towns: Hoddesdon (5 miles), Ware (6 miles), Bishops Stortford (7 miles), Waltham Abbey (8 miles)
Pricing: East of England, about 5% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

We also cover nearby Hoddesdon, Ware, Bishops Stortford, Waltham Abbey, Cheshunt.

Layer by layer

Your questions answered

Are there planning or highway rules in Harlow?

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).

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

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.

How much does tarmac resurfacing cost in Harlow?

As a 2026 guide in Harlow, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £26–£47 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £870–£1,550. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

How long does tarmac resurfacing take in Harlow?

Often 1–2 days for a typical drive. We book Harlow surveys alongside other jobs in Essex, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Also in Harlow

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