Tarmac Driveways in Worcestershire

The honest guide to tarmac driveways in Worcestershire.

Tarmac (more accurately bitumen-bound asphalt) remains the most popular driveway surface in the UK for one simple reason – it delivers a clean, hard-wearing finish at the lowest cost per square metre of any premium surface. At Cathedral Landscapes we install tarmac driveways across Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn using two-layer base + surface course construction with proper edging and falls, not a single thin layer over rough ground.

How much does a tarmac driveway cost in 2026?

Tarmac sits in the best-value durable hard-surface tier in Worcestershire. Pricing depends on existing ground conditions, whether the area needs excavation and a fresh sub-base or can be overlaid, the edging detail (concrete kerb, granite setts, brick) and access for plant and lorries. Every quote we send is written, itemised and valid for 30 days.

How is a tarmac driveway built?

A properly built tarmac driveway is constructed in clear layers. First we excavate to the required depth, lay a geotextile membrane to prevent the sub-grade migrating up, then compact a 100 to 150mm Type 1 MOT sub-base. On top of that goes a 50 to 60mm base course of binder asphalt, rolled while hot. Finally a 25 to 30mm wearing course of 6mm dense asphalt is laid, rolled and finished to falls of 1:80 away from the property. Edges are restrained with concrete bedded kerbs, block paving or granite setts depending on the design.

Tarmac, planning permission and SUDS

Since 2008, any new front driveway over 5 square metres in England must use a permeable surface, drain to a garden soakaway, or hold planning permission. Standard impermeable tarmac is therefore not a free-for-all. The most common solutions on tarmac drives are (1) porous tarmac (SUDS compliant), (2) a permeable edging or central strip that drains to a soakaway, or (3) submitting a planning application. We design every driveway to comply and explain your options clearly during the site visit. If a fully permeable driveway is your priority, our resin driveway or gravel driveway options may be a better fit.

Maintaining a tarmac driveway

Tarmac is the lowest maintenance hard surface there is. A stiff broom and an occasional pressure wash is all most driveways need. After 3 to 5 years the rich black colour fades to grey as the bitumen oxidises on the surface – a coat of acrylic tarmac sealer at this point restores the original look, fills micro-cracks and adds a layer of fuel and frost protection. We offer a separate driveway protection sealing service for existing tarmac drives.

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