FAQs
Driveway questions, straight answers
Planning, drainage, council licences, lead times and guarantees.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?+
Not usually. Front gardens over 5m² can be paved without planning permission if the surface is permeable (resin bound, permeable block, gravel) or if rainwater is directed to a lawn, border or soakaway on your property. Non-permeable surfaces draining onto the road need planning permission. We design every driveway to be compliant.
What are the SUDS drainage rules?+
SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) rules aim to stop surface water running onto the highway and into sewers. We meet them with permeable surfaces, channel drains to soakaways or rain gardens, and correct falls. We never just let water run off onto the pavement.
How do I get a dropped kerb approved by the council?+
You apply to your local highway authority (for example Salford, Manchester, Trafford or Cheshire East). Once approved, the work must be done by an NRSWA Street Works accredited contractor. We are certified, carry the required insurance and can advise on your application.
How deep should a driveway sub-base be?+
For domestic vehicles we excavate to allow 150-200mm+ of compacted MOT Type 1 on a geotextile membrane, deeper on soft ground. Many low-cost installers use 50mm or less, which is why driveways sink and rut within a few years.
What are your lead times?+
Surveys are typically booked within a few days. Installation lead times are usually 3-6 weeks depending on season and surface. Most driveways take 3-7 working days on site; dropped kerbs depend on council licence timescales.
What does your 10-year guarantee cover?+
Our 10-year structural guarantee covers the sub-base and installation: sinking, rutting and failure of the base we built. It is backed by a limited company trading since 2014.
Do you take a deposit?+
No. We ask for 0% deposit. You pay once the job is complete and you are satisfied with it.
Do you use subcontractors?+
No casual subcontractors. Our work is self-delivered by our own crews using our own machinery and plant, the same teams who work on commercial sites for national housebuilders.
Are your prices fixed?+
Yes. The online estimator gives a guide range. After a free on-site survey you receive a fixed written quotation, so the price you agree is the price you pay.
Free on-site survey. Fixed written quote. 0% deposit.
No obligation. No pushy sales. Just an engineer's honest assessment.