Tarmac driveway resurfacing in Rochester

Tarmac resurfacing prices in Rochester

These Rochester guide prices reflect rates in the South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac resurfacing over a sound existing base	£28–£50 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£910–£1,650
Example: 50 m² drive	£1,400–£2,500
Example: 80 m² drive	£2,200–£3,950

As a 2026 guide in Rochester, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £28–£50 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £910–£1,650. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

What the price covers

A new tack-coated surface course over a drive whose base is still sound: less digging, lower cost.

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
Weed treatment and a clean surface
Edges sealed and joints to existing surfaces cut neatly

The build-up we price

Rochester: the local details

The key facts for Rochester. We cover Rochester by grouping surveys with nearby Kent jobs; Maidstone is 8 miles away.

Postcodes: ME1
Area: Kent
Nearest towns: Chatham (1 mile), Strood (1 mile), Gillingham (2 miles), Gravesend (7 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Chatham, Strood, Gillingham, Gravesend, Maidstone.

Planning and kerb rules for Rochester

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).

Your questions answered

Are there planning or highway rules in Rochester?

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 Rochester?

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 Rochester?

As a 2026 guide in Rochester, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £28–£50 per m² including VAT, so a 30 m² drive is roughly £910–£1,650. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Which Rochester postcodes do you cover?

We cover Rochester including ME1, and nearby Chatham, Strood, Gillingham.

Also in Rochester

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