Tarmac paths and footpaths in South Shields
A good tarmac path in South Shields looks the same as a poor one on the day it is laid. The difference shows a few winters later, which is why our quotes list what goes underneath.
How much should I budget in South Shields?
These South Shields guide prices reflect rates in the North East, about 7% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tarmac garden path or footpath, hand-laid | £51–£84 per m² |
| Example: 10 m² path | £610–£1,000 |
| Example: 20 m² path | £1,150–£1,850 |
| Example: 40 m² path | £2,050–£3,350 |
As a 2026 guide in South Shields, tarmac path work runs at about £51–£84 per m² including VAT, so a 10 m² path is roughly £610–£1,000. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.
The build-up we price
Do I need permission in South Shields?
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.
South Shields: the local details
South Shields at a glance. As one of the larger towns in Tyne and Wear, South Shields sees regular survey visits.
- Postcodes
- NE33, NE34
- Area
- Tyne and Wear
- Nearest towns
- Tynemouth (1 mile), North Shields (1 mile), Jarrow (2 miles), Whitley Bay (3 miles)
- Pricing
- North East, about 7% below our UK midpoint
- Kerb approvals
- The highway authority
Close to South Shields: Tynemouth, North Shields, Jarrow, Whitley Bay, Hebburn.
What we do on a tarmac path
A tarmac path is a lighter version of a drive build: a compacted stone base of around 100 mm, a binder course and a fine surface course, laid by hand and held in by timber edging, kerbs or blocks.
- Path set out to the line and width you want
- 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
- Gentle cross-fall so water runs off to the border
South Shields: common questions
How much does a tarmac path cost in South Shields?
As a 2026 guide in South Shields, tarmac path work runs at about £51–£84 per m² including VAT, so a 10 m² path is roughly £610–£1,000. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.
Do I need permission for a tarmac path in South Shields?
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).
How long does a tarmac path take in South Shields?
Often 1–2 days. We book South Shields surveys alongside other jobs in Tyne and Wear, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.
Do you cover all of South Shields?
We cover South Shields including NE33, NE34, and nearby Tynemouth, North Shields, Jarrow.
Also in South Shields
- Red tarmac driveways
- Private and access road surfacing
- Tar and chip driveways
- Front garden to tarmac driveway
- New tarmac driveways
- Car park resurfacing
- Everything in South Shields
Send us a postcode, a rough size and a photo or two, and we'll come back with survey dates for South Shields.
Tarmac paths and footpaths in South Shields: get a written 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