New Build Driveways
From bare ground to a finished permeable surface, drainage, access, and planning sorted before groundworks begin.
What Goes Wrong
The most costly mistakes on a new driveway happen before the first load of material arrives.
An impermeable surface over 5m² on a front garden can trigger a planning application that delays the whole project.
A resin bound surface on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base is permeable, satisfying permitted development rules without a planning application.
Laying a surface without checking soakaway capacity leaves standing water pooling at the edges after the first heavy rain.
The drainage check happens at the site assessment stage, so soakaway requirements are costed in before groundworks begin.
A shallow or poorly compacted sub-base causes the finished surface to settle unevenly within the first winter.
MOT Type 1 is laid and compacted in layers to the depth the site conditions require, giving the resin surface a stable foundation.
Starting groundworks before confirming the highway authority process can halt the job mid-way through excavation.
The specialist confirms whether a separate Essex Highways application is needed before any groundworks are scheduled.
Scope of Work
Every element from the access point to the finished resin surface is scoped and quoted before work begins.
UV-stable polyurethane resin mixed with natural aggregate, trowelled to a consistent depth and drainage fall.
Ground excavated to the required depth, then MOT Type 1 laid and compacted in layers for a stable base.
Site drainage checked at survey stage; soakaway or channel drainage specified where the sub-base alone is insufficient.
Edge restraints set before surfacing to define the driveway boundary and hold the resin bound finish in place.
Highway authority requirements confirmed and the Essex Highways application process explained before groundworks start.
Planned to fit one car with comfortable access.
Wider layout for two cars side by side.
Bare or grassed front area converted to driveway.
New driveway entry from the public road.
Why Choose Us
Local knowledge of Epping Forest District planning conditions and a clear, itemised process from first contact to finished surface.
Excavation, sub-base, edge restraints, and resin finish are quoted as separate line items so every cost is visible upfront.
The specialist confirms permitted development and drainage requirements at the site visit, not after groundworks have started.
Soakaway capacity and drainage falls are checked at survey stage, so drainage costs are included in the original quote.
Essex Highways requirements are confirmed before any groundworks are scheduled, avoiding delays mid-installation.
The site visit accounts for the access and drainage conditions common to Chigwell residential plots and surrounding lanes.
The Process
01
Tell us the area size, current ground condition, and access point. We schedule a site visit to survey and measure.
02
The specialist returns a quote separating excavation, MOT Type 1 sub-base, edge restraints, drainage, and resin bound finish.
03
Once confirmed, the specialist excavates, compacts the sub-base, sets edging, and trowels the resin bound surface to finish.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small new-build driveway | £3,000-£5,000 |
| Average new-build driveway | £5,000-£8,000 |
| Large new-build driveway | £8,000-£12,000 |
| New build with full groundworks | £10,000-£15,000 |
Describe the size, the existing ground, and how it drains. We’ll schedule a site visit to survey and return a clear itemised quote covering every stage.