Driveway Construction Standards in Chichester

Ground Conditions Around Chichester

Local ground conditions strongly influence how a driveway should be built:

• Chalk & free-draining soils — Lavant, Goodwood, Westhampnett.
• Sandy & coastal soils — Fishbourne, Bosham, Apuldram.
• Clay & heavier soils — Tangmere, Oving and some northern edges of the city.
• Mixed / disturbed ground — newer developments and infill schemes around Chichester.

Each type affects excavation depth, sub-base choice and whether we use Type 1 or Type 3 aggregate. Clay and mixed ground often need additional drainage measures and reinforcement to avoid rutting and settlement, as we also discuss in our subsidence & patio longevity guide.

Correct Excavation Depths

For a structurally sound driveway, we typically excavate to:

• Block paving driveways: 200–350 mm total excavation.
• Resin-bound over new base: 180–250 mm.
• Gravel driveways: 150–250 mm.
• Stone sett or premium driveways: 220–350 mm.

On weaker sandy or disturbed ground we may need a deeper dig, geo-grid reinforcement or stepped bases to keep everything stable over time.

MOT Sub-Base — The Structural Layer

The sub-base carries the load of vehicles — not the surface layer itself. A well-built driveway in Chichester will usually include:

• Type 1 MOT — widely used for stable conditions across much of Chichester.
• Type 3 — ideal for clay, heavier use or where extra drainage capacity is needed.
• Geotextile membrane — separating soft or sandy soils from the aggregate to prevent contamination.
• Layered compaction — sub-base installed and compacted in stages, not tipped and rolled once.

Block Paving Driveways

Block paving is very popular across Chichester’s residential streets — from traditional frontages to newer estates.

Correct Build-Up

• Excavation to the required depth and removal of soft spots.
• 100–200 mm compacted Type 1 or Type 3 sub-base.
• 30–50 mm sharp sand screed layer, levelled to falls.
• Blocks laid to the chosen pattern.
• Kiln-dried sand brushed into joints.
• Compaction with a suitable plate compactor.
• Concrete or block edge restraints to contain the paving.

Best For

• Family homes in Chichester city streets.
• Frontages in Fishbourne, Tangmere and Oving.
• Parking courts, turning areas and shared drives.

Resin-Bound Driveways

Resin-bound surfaces are increasingly popular across Chichester for their clean, contemporary look and permeability when installed correctly.

Key Requirements

• A stable asphalt or concrete base, or a properly designed stone base.
• Correct thickness of resin-bound layer, laid evenly without overworking.
• Robust edge detailing to prevent cracking and chipping.
• Thoughtful joint placement where large areas are installed in stages.

Resin can also work well alongside paved entrance aprons or stone sett borders to mark threshold areas and parking bays.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways work particularly well for rural or character properties on the outskirts of Chichester — Bosham, Fishbourne and nearby South Downs villages.

Recommended Build-Up

• 100–150 mm MOT sub-base, compacted in layers.
• Optional stabilising grid in high-use or sloping areas.
• 20–50 mm of decorative gravel, chosen for size and colour.

Gravel can also be used alongside paved or resin sections to define parking bays and soften the look of larger driveways.

Stone Sett & Premium Driveways

For high-end projects and character homes, stone sett driveways provide a long-lasting, heritage-style finish. They require:

• Deeper, well-compacted sub-bases to handle concentrated loads.
• Careful alignment and jointing to maintain patterns over time.
• Skilled cutting and detailing at edges, thresholds and manholes.

Drainage & SUDS Compliance

UK rules require most front-drive hard standings over 5 m² to be permeable or to drain to a suitable area on your own land — not into the highway or main sewer.

In Chichester, we achieve this by using:

• Permeable block paving systems.
• Resin-bound surfaces over permeable bases.
• Gravel drives with correctly designed sub-bases.
• Channel drains leading to soakaways where appropriate.
• Falls designed to keep water away from the pavement and your home.

Our planning permission rules and waste removal & skip rules pages cover the key regulatory points in more detail.

Detailing & Finishing Quality

High-end Chichester driveways are defined by their detailing rather than just the surface choice:

• Granite or stone sett borders to frame the main surface.
• Entrance “aprons” or threshold features at the road edge.
• Accurate alignment with front steps and door thresholds.
• Neatly integrated inspection covers set to the finished level.
• Logical tie-in with any retaining walls & level changes on sloping plots.

Typical Driveway Cost Ranges in Chichester

Every project is quoted individually, but as a general guide for well-built driveways:

• Block paving: typically in the £130 – £190 per m² band.
• Resin-bound (over new base): around £120 – £170 per m².
• Gravel driveways: roughly £55 – £95 per m² depending on build-up and edging.
• Stone sett driveways: often £220 – £350 per m² due to higher material and labour input.

For a broader overview across patios, paths and full garden projects, see Landscaping Costs 2025 and our page on complete garden rebuilds.

FAQ: Driveways in Chichester

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Many replacement driveways in Chichester can be installed under permitted development, but larger front-drive hard standings must comply with permeable surfacing and drainage rules. Conservation areas, listed buildings and major level changes may require additional checks — we’ll advise what applies during a site visit.

What is the best driveway surface for my home?

The best surface depends on your property style, budget and how you use the driveway. Block paving is versatile and repairable, resin-bound offers a clean, modern look, gravel suits rural or character homes, and stone setts provide a high-end, traditional finish. We can talk through the pros and cons of each for your specific plot.

How thick should a driveway base be?

A typical driveway in Chichester will have 100–200 mm of compacted MOT sub-base beneath the finish, with deeper build-ups on weaker or disturbed ground. Total excavation depths usually range from 180–350 mm depending on soil type, loading and the chosen surface.

Can you improve drainage on an existing driveway?

In many cases we can retrofit channel drains, soakaways or surface regrading to improve drainage on existing driveways. Where the original base is inadequate, a full reconstruction may be the safest long-term option. We assess each site in person before recommending the most effective solution.

Areas We Cover

Chichester · Fishbourne · Bosham · Lavant · Tangmere · Oving · Donnington · Hunston · Apuldram · Goodwood · Westhampnett · Aldingbourne · Nearby South Downs villages

Planning a New Driveway in Chichester?

We design and build driveways that meet local planning rules, drain correctly and stand up to daily use for years, while complementing the character of your home.

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