DRIVEWAY FAQ · TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Typical residential driveways take 1–3 days depending on size and surface type. Resin bound and tarmac jobs are usually complete in a single day for standard-sized driveways. Larger or more complex projects may take 2–3 days. Preparation and curing add to the overall timeline — resin typically requires 24 hours before light use.

The driveway will be inaccessible during installation and for a short curing period afterwards. Wells Driveways keeps disruption to a minimum — the site is cleared and left clean each day. Neighbours and access routes are respected throughout.

In most cases, no. Driveways using permeable surfaces (such as resin bound) do not require planning permission under Permitted Development rules in England. Impermeable surfaces over 5m² covering the front garden may require permission unless water drains to a lawn or border. Tunbridge Wells homeowners in conservation areas or listed buildings should check with the local authority first.

Key considerations are budget, aesthetics, drainage requirements, and maintenance preference. Resin bound offers premium looks and SUDS compliance. Tarmac is durable and cost-effective. Tar and chip suits rural or period properties. Wells Driveways offers a free consultation to help homeowners choose without pressure.

Costs vary widely by surface type, size, and site conditions. As a general guide: resin bound tends to be at the premium end; tarmac and tar and chip are more cost-effective. The best way to get an accurate figure is a free, no-obligation quote. Avoid any contractor who quotes sight-unseen.

All surfaces installed by Wells Driveways are suitable for UK conditions. Resin bound and tarmac handle frost and freeze-thaw cycles well when properly installed on a sound sub-base. Tar and chip offers good grip in wet and icy conditions.

Resin bound is a premium surface — prices for residential driveways in Tunbridge Wells vary depending on size, aggregate choice, edging, and any groundwork required. Because every project is different, Wells Driveways provides a free, detailed quotation after a site visit. Avoid prices quoted per m² without a site assessment.

A wide range of natural aggregate colours is available — from warm champagne and golden tones to slate grey, mixed earth tones, and white. Colours can be blended to complement the property's exterior. Wells Driveways will bring samples to your free consultation.

Yes. Resin bound surfacing is fully permeable — water drains directly through the surface into the sub-base and ground below. This means it meets Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) requirements and does not require planning permission in most residential applications under Permitted Development rules in England.

A properly installed resin bound driveway on a sound sub-base can last 15–25 years with appropriate maintenance. Key factors include the quality of the resin, aggregate quality, and sub-base preparation. Wells Driveways uses UV-stable resin to prevent yellowing and discolouration.

Resin bound is low maintenance. Occasional brushing to remove leaves and debris, rinsing with a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting, and treating any isolated moss or algae growth are all that's needed. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Jet washing on a standard setting is safe.

In some cases, yes — if the existing surface is structurally sound, level, and well-bonded. Cracked, heaved, or unstable surfaces must be repaired or replaced first. A site assessment will determine whether overlay is suitable or full excavation is required.

Tarmac is generally more cost-effective than resin bound. Pricing depends on size, existing surface condition, edging requirements, and access. Wells Driveways provides free, itemised quotations after a site visit. No guesswork pricing is offered without seeing the project.

A well-laid tarmac driveway on a properly prepared sub-base typically lasts 20–30 years. Regular sealing (every 3–5 years) extends lifespan and keeps the surface looking fresh. Tarmac is highly resilient to UK weather and heavy vehicle use.

Tar and chip (also called chip and spray or macadam) combines a bitumen base with a decorative aggregate rolled into the surface. It offers a natural, textured finish well-suited to rural, period, or country-style properties in areas like Frant, Langton Green, and Groombridge. It is more affordable than resin and provides excellent grip in wet weather.

Often yes, if the existing tarmac is structurally sound with no significant cracking, heaving, or drainage issues. A thin overlay can refresh the surface and extend its life. Badly deteriorated tarmac will need to be stripped back and replaced from the sub-base. Wells Driveways will assess this at no charge during the free consultation.

Yes. Tarmac performs well on sloped driveways and can be laid with drainage channels to manage water run-off effectively. Edging and channel drains are typically recommended on steeper gradients.

Both are low-maintenance surfaces. Tarmac benefits from periodic sealing; tar and chip requires occasional re-rolling of loose chippings in the first year but settles well after that. Neither requires specialist cleaning products — periodic sweeping and a hose-down is sufficient for day-to-day upkeep.

SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. The rules require that new hard surfacing over 5m² at the front of a property must either be permeable (like resin bound) or drain to a lawn, border, or soakaway — not directly to the street drain. Choosing a SUDS-compliant surface (resin bound is the simplest solution) avoids the need for planning permission in most cases.

Only if you are laying an impermeable surface (solid concrete, solid block paving, or conventional tarmac without drainage) over 5m² at the front of the property and the water will discharge to the public highway drainage. Using a permeable surface like resin bound, or adding appropriate run-off drainage, removes this requirement in most standard residential cases. Conservation area or listed building rules may apply additionally.

A channel drain (also called a linear drain or slot drain) is a narrow drainage channel installed at the edge or across the surface of a driveway to collect and redirect surface water. They are recommended on impermeable surfaces, driveways sloping toward the house, or where a soakaway is not viable. Wells Driveways installs channel drains as part of comprehensive driveway projects.

A soakaway is an underground rubble or crate-filled pit that collects drained water and allows it to percolate slowly into the surrounding ground. It is suitable where ground conditions allow and is an effective SUDS-compliant drainage solution. Soil type and proximity to foundations affect suitability — a site assessment will determine whether a soakaway is appropriate for your property.

Drainage costs depend on the type of solution required (channel drain, soakaway, or both), the scale of the project, and existing site conditions. Basic channel drain installation is typically included or costed as part of the wider driveway project. Standalone drainage assessments and installations are available. Wells Driveways provides fully itemised, no-obligation quotes.

Yes. If your current driveway has standing water, run-off into the house, or pooling near boundaries, Wells Driveways can assess and recommend a drainage solution — whether that is retrofitting a channel drain, improving falls, or advising on a full resurfacing with a permeable alternative.