Driveway

If you’re planning a new driveway, cost is usually the first question – and the honest answer is: it depends. Material, size, ground condition, and access all play a part. As a starting point, most Hertfordshire homeowners can expect to pay roughly £60–£140 per m² fitted, depending on the material chosen, with a typical two-car driveway (around 40–50m²) landing somewhere between £3,000 and £7,000.

What Affects the Price

Groundwork and excavation depth – how much digging out is needed to lay a proper sub-base, which is the single biggest factor in how long a driveway lasts.

Removing an existing surface – old concrete, tarmac or block paving takes more time and disposal cost to break up and remove than a bare or grassed area.

Drainage – under current SuDS rules, any new impermeable surface over 5m² must either use permeable materials (like resin or permeable block paving) or drain to a permeable area on your property. This can add cost but avoids planning permission issues.

Site access – tight driveways or narrow side access mean more manual labour and less machinery use, which increases cost.

Ground condition – clay or poorly draining soil sometimes needs extra sub-base preparation.

Edging and borders – decorative kerbing or a contrasting border adds a premium over a plain edge.

Slopes and levels – uneven or sloped plots require more groundwork than a flat site.

Extras – dropped kerbs (typically £800–£3,500 and subject to council approval), EV charging point preparation, driveway lighting, steps, or retaining walls.

A Worked Example

For a typical 40m² driveway on a fairly standard, accessible plot with no major drainage or levelling issues:

• Gravel: from around £1,200 – the most budget-friendly option, though it needs periodic top-ups.
• Block paving: around £3,000-£5,600 – the most popular choice for kerb appeal and durability.
• Resin bound: around £2,800-£5,200 – permeable, low-maintenance, and increasingly popular for its clean finish.

Add roughly 15–20% if the site needs an old surface removed first, and factor in dropped kerb costs separately if you don’t already have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is resin more expensive than block paving?
Not necessarily – the two overlap significantly in price. Resin often has the edge on low maintenance and permeability, while block paving tends to last longer and offers more design flexibility.

Do I need planning permission for a driveway in Hertfordshire?
Usually not, provided the surface is permeable or drains to a permeable area – this follows national SuDS rules, not just local policy. If you’re using a non-permeable material like standard tarmac or concrete, permission may be required. We can advise on this as part of your free site survey.

How much does it cost to remove an old driveway?
This varies by material and size, but expect it to add to your overall quote rather than being a separate standalone job in most cases – it’s usually more cost-effective when done as part of the full installation.

Do prices vary across Hertfordshire?
Slightly – access, local disposal costs and the scope of groundwork can all affect the final figure more than location itself. We quote individually for every project rather than using a flat regional rate.

Get an Accurate Price for Your Driveway

The only way to get a true cost for your project is a free, no-obligation site survey. We’ll assess your space, discuss materials, and give you a clear, transparent quote with no hidden extras.