Tarmac paths and footpaths in Portsmouth

What does a tarmac path cost in Portsmouth?

For Portsmouth, we apply the South East rate, about 10% above our UK midpoint. Your survey turns these ranges into a fixed price.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac garden path or footpath, hand-laid	£61–£99 per m²
Example: 10 m² path	£730–£1,200
Example: 20 m² path	£1,350–£2,200
Example: 40 m² path	£2,400–£3,950

As a 2026 guide in Portsmouth, tarmac path work runs at about £61–£99 per m² including VAT, so a 10 m² path is roughly £730–£1,200. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

The build-up we price

What we do on a tarmac path

Garden paths, side passages and footpaths in hot-laid tarmac, edged with timber, kerbs or blocks.

Excavation to about 150–180 mm with spoil removed
MOT Type 1 base, about 100 mm, compacted
Timber, kerb or block edging on both sides
Binder and surface course laid hot by hand and rolled
Gentle cross-fall so water runs off to the border

Planning and kerb rules for Portsmouth

Repairs, paths and edging work rarely need planning permission. 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.

Where we work in and around Portsmouth

Portsmouth at a glance. We cover Portsmouth as part of our regular Hampshire rounds.

Postcodes: PO1, PO5, PO4, PO2, PO3
Area: Hampshire
Nearest towns: Gosport (2 miles), Fareham (5 miles), Hayling Island (5 miles), Havant (6 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Gosport, Fareham, Hayling Island, Havant, Waterlooville.

Your questions answered

Tarmac path cost in Portsmouth: what should I budget?

As a 2026 guide in Portsmouth, tarmac path work runs at about £61–£99 per m² including VAT, so a 10 m² path is roughly £730–£1,200. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Do you work in my part of Portsmouth?

We cover Portsmouth including PO1, PO5, PO4, PO2, PO3, and nearby Gosport, Fareham, Hayling Island.

How quickly can work start in Portsmouth?

Often 1–2 days. We book Portsmouth surveys alongside other jobs in Hampshire, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Do I need permission for a tarmac path in Portsmouth?

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).

More we do in Portsmouth

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