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Gravel driveways across Surrey, Hampshire & South West London
Gravel makes a handsome, natural-looking driveway that suits both period and modern homes, and it lets rainwater drain away when it is laid on a permeable base. The difference between a gravel drive that stays neat and one that ruts and spreads lies underneath: the sub-base, the membrane, the edging and the choice of stone.
We lay new gravel driveways and replace old ones. Compare all our driveway options, or see our resin driveways guide.
What we do
Our gravel driveways work
- New gravel driveways
- Replacing a worn or broken driveway with gravel
- Extending an existing driveway in gravel
- Advice on the stone, edging and drainage for your house and ground
Thinking about gravel driveways?Tell us a little about your space and what you have in mind, or give Dan or Adam a call.
Planning advice
Gravel driveways: what to know
- Choosing the stone
- Angular stone, typically around 10 to 20 mm, locks together and stays put far better than small, rounded pea shingle, which moves underfoot and under tyres. Colour is a matter of taste, and seeing a sample of the stone against your brickwork helps more than a photograph.
- What goes underneath
- A gravel drive needs a well-compacted sub-base built for vehicles, with a permeable membrane between the layers to keep them separate and slow weeds. The gravel on top should be a fairly shallow layer: too deep and it becomes hard to walk and drive on.
- Edging and stabilising grids
- Firm edging keeps the stone off lawns and borders. Cellular grids filled with gravel can reduce rutting and stone drifting, especially on slopes and where cars turn.
- Front gardens and planning permission
- Gravel laid on a permeable sub-base lets rain soak away, so in England a new or replacement gravel drive in a front garden does not normally need planning permission. Flats, listed buildings and homes where permitted development rights have been removed follow different rules, so check with your council if you are unsure.Sources: GOV.UK: permeable surfacing of front gardens (opens in a new tab), Planning Portal: paving your front garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where the drive meets the pavement
- A paved strip at the entrance stops stones spreading onto the footway and road, and gives a firm edge at the dropped kerb. A new or wider dropped kerb needs approval from the highway authority.Source: GOV.UK: apply for a dropped kerb (opens in a new tab)
- The ground beneath
- Soils vary widely: clay is common in north Surrey and South West London, sandy heathland soils around Woking, Camberley and Fleet, and greensand around Godalming and Haslemere. Clay drains slowly, so the sub-base and falls need more thought there. A site visit shows what your ground needs.
- Living with gravel
- Gravel needs occasional raking and topping up, and weeds dealt with early. It is harder going for wheelchairs, pushchairs and wheeled bins than a solid surface, so a paved path to the front door is often worth adding.
FAQs
Gravel driveways: common questions
Do I need planning permission for a gravel driveway?
Not usually. Gravel on a permeable sub-base lets rainwater soak into the ground, which meets the front-garden rules in England. Flats, listed buildings and homes without permitted development rights are different.
What size of gravel is best for a driveway?
Angular stone of around 10 to 20 mm usually works well because it locks together. Small, rounded pea shingle moves too easily under tyres and feet.
Will the gravel spread onto the pavement?
Good edging and a paved strip at the entrance keep the stone where it belongs. Grids also help where cars turn or brake.
Can gravel be used on a sloping drive?
On gentle slopes, yes, ideally with stabilising grids. Steeper drives are usually better in a bound surface such as block paving or resin.
Gravel or resin?
Gravel is natural-looking, drains freely and is usually the more economical choice, but it needs occasional raking and topping up. Resin gives a smooth, seamless finish. Our resin driveways guide explains the two resin systems.
Start your project
Tell us about your outdoor space
Call Dan or Adam for a chat about what you have in mind, or send us a few details and we’ll get back to you.