Gravel driveways

Gravel, the country-house classic

Gravel is the classic country and period-property driveway: naturally permeable, in keeping with stone and rural homes, and cost-effective to lay. Its reputation for spreading and rutting comes almost entirely from gravel laid straight onto bare ground. Done properly, it stays put.

Stabilised and drained

We lay gravel on a stabilising grid over a sound, well-drained sub-base, with firm edging to contain it. The grid holds the gravel so it does not migrate into the borders or rut under the wheels, and the base and drainage keep it sound through a wet winter. That is the difference between a gravel drive that looks tired in a year and one that stays crisp.

Permeable and planning-friendly

Gravel is naturally permeable, so water soaks away on site and a gravel driveway needs no planning permission at any size. It is one of the simplest ways to keep a front garden the right side of the surface-water rules while suiting a traditional home.

Built to suit the setting

We choose the gravel and the edging to suit the property, and build the base for the ground it sits on. Arrange a consultation and we will talk you through whether gravel is right for your driveway.

• 01

  Resin-bound driveways

  Permeable resin-bound driveways laid on a sound base: SuDS-friendly and, on most homes, no planning needed.

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• 02

  Resin-bonded driveways

  Resin-bonded (scatter-coat) surfacing: a textured, non-permeable finish, and how it differs from resin-bound.

  Read
• 03

  Block paving driveways

  Block paving driveways laid on a proper sub-base, with the edge restraints and falls done right.

  Read

• 01

  Resin-bound driveways

  Permeable resin-bound driveways laid on a sound base: SuDS-friendly and, on most homes, no planning needed.

  Read
• 02

  Block paving driveways

  Block paving driveways laid on a proper sub-base, with the edge restraints and falls done right.

  Read

Source: Gardenscape. Figures as of 2026-06-03.

• Do gravel driveways need planning permission?

  No. Gravel is naturally permeable, so water soaks away on site and a gravel driveway stays within permitted development at any size.

• How do you stop gravel spreading and rutting?

  With a stabilising grid over a sound, well-drained base and firm edging. The grid holds the gravel so it does not migrate or rut, which is the difference between gravel done properly and gravel tipped on bare ground.

• Is gravel cheaper than resin or block?

  It is generally one of the more cost-effective surfaces, though we do not quote by the metre because every driveway differs. Laid on a proper stabilised base it is also long-lasting.

• Does gravel suit a period property?

  Very well. It is the traditional country and period-home surface, in keeping with stone buildings and rural settings in a way harder surfaces are not.