Premium driveway installations

Your complete guide to driveways

Choosing the right driveway material

The material you choose for your driveway affects its appearance, durability, maintenance needs, and cost. Block paving remains the most popular choice across Berkshire and the Home Counties. Available in a huge range of colours, shapes, and finishes — from tumbled rustic to smooth contemporary — block paving offers outstanding strength when laid in a herringbone pattern and can be easily repaired by replacing individual blocks.

Resin-bound surfacing has grown enormously in popularity over the past decade. A blend of natural aggregate stones bound in clear UV-stable resin, it creates a smooth, porous surface that is inherently SuDS-compliant. Resin-bound driveways are weed-resistant, require no re-sanding, and are available in dozens of colour blends to complement your property. Brands like SureSet, Clearstone, and Addagrip are among the premium systems we install.

Tarmac (also known as asphalt or macadam) is the most cost-effective option for larger driveway areas. Modern machine-laid tarmac is smooth, durable, and quick to install. We frequently combine a tarmac base with block-paved borders, soldier courses, or a contrasting apron at the entrance to add visual interest without the cost of full block paving. Gravel driveways offer the lowest initial cost and excellent permeability, though they require more ongoing maintenance.

• Block paving — Versatile, durable, repairable, wide colour range, ideal for herringbone patterns
• Resin-bound — Permeable, contemporary, low-maintenance, UV-stable, no loose stones
• Tarmac — Cost-effective, quick install, smooth finish, red or black options
• Gravel — Lowest cost, fully permeable, requires edging and periodic topping up
• Indian stone — Premium natural look, hand-laid, unique character, best for feature driveways

Drainage and SuDS requirements

Since 2008, the government has required that new or replacement driveways over five square metres manage surface water on-site if using impermeable materials. This means you cannot simply lay a standard tarmac or block-paved driveway and let rainwater run off into the street drain without planning permission. The regulation was introduced to combat surface water flooding, which is a growing concern across the Thames Valley and Greater London.

The simplest way to comply is to choose an inherently permeable surface — resin-bound aggregate, gravel, or permeable block paving with open joints. These allow water to soak through the surface into the sub-base and gradually infiltrate the ground below. For impermeable surfaces, you must install drainage that captures and manages the runoff — typically a combination of linear channel drains, gullies, and a soakaway or attenuation crate system.

We design every driveway with SuDS compliance at the core. During our site survey, we assess the soil permeability, measure the driveway area, and calculate the required drainage capacity using BRE Digest 365 methodology. This ensures your driveway meets all legal requirements and genuinely protects your property from water damage — not just on paper, but in practice during heavy rainfall.

• Impermeable surfaces over 5m² require SuDS or planning permission
• Permeable block paving, resin-bound, and gravel are inherently compliant
• Linear ACO drains collect runoff at the base of slopes and thresholds
• Soakaways and attenuation crates store and release water gradually
• BRE Digest 365 calculations used to size drainage infrastructure

Planning permission and dropped kerbs

Most driveway installations fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission, provided you use permeable materials or manage drainage on-site. However, there are important exceptions. If your property is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or if the works involve significant changes to the boundary or front garden levels, you may need to submit a planning application to your local authority.

If your property does not already have a vehicle crossover (dropped kerb), you will need to apply to the local council before you can legally drive across the pavement. In the Slough Borough Council area, the application involves submitting plans, paying a fee (typically £1,500 to £3,000 including the council's construction costs), and waiting for approval. We manage the entire process on your behalf, including liaising with the highways department and coordinating the crossover construction with your driveway installation.

It is illegal to drive across a full-height kerb, even if you have a driveway behind it. Doing so can result in fines and you could be liable for any damage to the pavement or underground services. We always check the kerb situation during our site survey and include the crossover in our quotation if needed.

• Permeable driveways generally do not need planning permission
• Conservation areas and listed buildings may require separate consent
• Dropped kerb application managed on your behalf
• Council crossover fees typically £1,500 – £3,000 in Berkshire
• Driving across a full-height kerb is illegal — always install a proper crossover

Driveway maintenance and longevity

A well-installed driveway requires minimal maintenance, but a little regular care goes a long way towards preserving its appearance and structural integrity. Block paving should have its joints checked annually and topped up with kiln-dried sand or polymeric jointing compound. Weeds that establish in degraded joints should be removed promptly — once roots penetrate the sub-base, they can displace blocks and create trip hazards.

Resin-bound surfaces are naturally weed-resistant and require only an occasional sweep and rinse to stay looking smart. If algae or moss develops in shaded areas, a gentle application of a specialist resin-safe cleaner will restore the surface. Avoid pressure washing resin-bound driveways at close range, as the high-pressure jet can dislodge aggregate from the resin matrix.

Tarmac driveways benefit from periodic sealing with a bitumen-based sealant every three to five years. This restores the rich black colour, fills minor surface cracks, and provides a protective layer against fuel and oil spills. We also recommend keeping driveways clear of standing water — blocked gullies and leaf-clogged drains are the most common causes of tarmac deterioration and should be cleared at least twice a year.

For all driveway types, we advise against parking heavy vehicles (skips, construction plant, delivery lorries) on surfaces not designed for such loads. Block paving laid in herringbone at 80mm thickness can typically handle occasional heavy vehicle traffic, but thinner blocks or non-interlocking patterns may depress or crack under the weight. If you anticipate heavy loads, discuss this during the design phase so we can specify the appropriate materials and sub-base depth.

Enhancing your driveway with features and landscaping

A driveway does not have to be a plain expanse of paving. We frequently incorporate design features that add character and increase kerb appeal. Contrasting borders using a different colour or material — dark charcoal setts framing warm buff block paving, for example — define the driveway edges and create a polished, intentional appearance. Central feature circles, compass rose patterns, and decorative aprons at the entrance are popular options across Berkshire and Surrey.

Low-level planting alongside the driveway softens the hard landscaping and integrates the surface into the wider garden scheme. Lavender hedging, box balls, ornamental grasses, and low-growing perennials are all excellent choices that provide colour and structure without encroaching on the parking area. We can also install LED driveway marker lights, pillar-mounted lanterns, and recessed ground lights to illuminate the entrance after dark, improving both safety and visual impact.

Automated gates, intercom systems, and electric vehicle charging points are increasingly requested additions to driveway projects. We coordinate with specialist installers to ensure the groundwork, cabling, and surface preparation are completed as part of the main driveway build, saving you the cost and disruption of retrofitting these features later. Integrating everything from the start also means neater cable routing and fewer visible fixings.

Boundary treatments matter too. A new driveway often highlights tired or inadequate boundary walls, fences, and hedges. We offer a complete front-of-house package that includes new brick pillars, rendered walls, composite or timber fencing, and gate installation alongside the driveway itself, delivering a fully coordinated transformation that maximises the impact of your investment.