Service
Driveways
Resin-bound, block and gravel driveways built on the right base, with SuDS-compliant drainage.
In short
What does Gardenscape mean by driveways?
Resin-bound, block and gravel driveways built on the right base, with SuDS-compliant drainage.
A driveway built on the right base
A driveway carries the weight of vehicles every day, so the base matters more than anything you see on top. We build resin-bound, block paving and gravel driveways on a properly engineered sub-base, with drainage that meets the rules, so the surface stays level and sound rather than rutting, sinking or pooling after a wet winter.
The base and the drainage decide everything
The common faults, sinking, cracking, weeds and standing water, almost all trace back to the groundwork. We excavate to firm ground, build a sub-base sized for the loads it will carry, and set the falls and drainage so water goes where it should. Get that right and the driveway lasts; skip it to win a price and it fails within a few years.
Surfaces to suit the house
Resin-bound gives a clean, contemporary, seamless-looking surface that is permeable and low maintenance. Block paving is hard-wearing, traditional and easy to repair a section of. Gravel is the classic country-house choice, naturally permeable and in keeping with stone properties. We help you choose the surface that suits the house, the budget and how the drive will be used.
Drainage, permeability and planning
There are real rules here, and they are worth knowing. In England you can usually lay a new driveway without planning permission as long as the surface is permeable, such as resin-bound on a permeable base, permeable block paving or gravel, or you direct rainwater to a border or lawn on your own property to soak away. You only need permission if you cover more than five square metres at the front of the house with a solid, non-permeable surface that drains straight onto the road. We build permeable as standard, so most of our driveways need no application, and we tell you straight where a check is needed.
Designed with the front garden in mind
A driveway is the first thing seen, so we design it with the edgings, planting and entrance in mind rather than as a slab of surfacing on its own. Because we design and build as one firm, it is drawn to suit the house and built by the same hands.
Talk to us about your driveway
Tell us about the space, the vehicles and the look you want, and we will recommend the surface and the build to suit. Arrange a consultation to start.
Within this discipline
Related work
Resin-bound driveways
Permeable resin-bound driveways laid on a sound base: SuDS-friendly and, on most homes, no planning needed.
Resin-bonded driveways
Resin-bonded (scatter-coat) surfacing: a textured, non-permeable finish, and how it differs from resin-bound.
Block paving driveways
Block paving driveways laid on a proper sub-base, with the edge restraints and falls done right.
Gravel driveways
Gravel driveways done properly, on a stabilised, well-drained base that stays put.
Related services
You may also want
- 01
Resin-bound driveways
Permeable resin-bound driveways laid on a sound base: SuDS-friendly and, on most homes, no planning needed.
Read - 02
Patios and paving
Porcelain, York stone, limestone and Cotswold-stone patios laid on a proper base, with the levels and drainage right.
Read - 03
Block paving driveways
Block paving driveways laid on a proper sub-base, with the edge restraints and falls done right.
Read
Cost context
Indicative ranges
Figures are relative, not quotations. Each scheme is priced after a survey of access, levels, drainage and finish standard.
| What changes the cost |
|---|
| excavation and sub-base |
| surface material |
| drainage and SuDS compliance |
| edgings and falls |
Source: Gardenscape. Figures as of 2026-06-02.
Recent work
Projects in this discipline
Common questions
Common questions
In most cases no, as long as the surface is permeable, such as resin-bound on a permeable base, permeable block paving or gravel, or you drain the rainwater to a border or lawn on your own land. You only need permission if you cover more than five square metres at the front with a solid surface that drains onto the road.
It depends on the house and how it will be used. Resin-bound is clean, contemporary, permeable and low maintenance. Block paving is hard-wearing and easy to repair. Gravel is the classic country-house choice and naturally permeable. We help you choose to suit the setting.
Almost always the base. A driveway laid on a weak or under-built sub-base will rut, sink or crack under the weight of vehicles. We excavate to firm ground and build the base for the loads it will carry, which is most of why ours last.
It means the surface and drainage manage rainwater on your property, through a permeable surface or a soakaway, rather than shedding it onto the road and the public drains. We build permeable as standard, which keeps most driveways within permitted development and handles wet winters without pooling.
Yes. We can repair a failed section of block paving, resurface, or extend a drive, matching in as far as the existing materials and base allow. We assess on site what is worth keeping and what needs rebuilding.
Areas we cover for this service
Where we work
Arrange a consultation
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