Driveway Construction Standards in Godalming

Why Driveways Fail in Godalming

The most common problems we see with older or cheaply built driveways include:

• Rutting and dips where sub-base is too thin or poorly compacted
• Standing water against the house or in wheel tracks
• Loose blocks or subsided sections caused by soft spots in the subgrade
• Cracked concrete or tarmac from movement in clay soils
• Surface flooding due to lack of SUDS-compliant drainage

Good driveway construction is about what happens below the surface just as much as what you see on top. Our pages on subsidence, drainage and paved surface longevity and tree roots & clay movement show how ground conditions influence long-term performance.

Correct Driveway Build-Up for Godalming

While every site is unique, this is a strong baseline specification for most domestic driveways in Godalming:

1. Excavation

• Typically 250–350mm below finished level, depending on surface type
• Removal of old surfaces, weak sub-base and organic material
• Exposing firm, stable subgrade and trimming levels accurately
• Checking for existing drains, services and inspection covers

2. Sub-Base (MOT Type 1 or Similar)

• 150–250mm minimum for domestic driveways, compacted in layers
• In heavier clay or made ground (common in older Godalming streets), depths may be increased
• Use of geotextile between subgrade and sub-base where soils are soft or mixed
• Local thickening where driveways tie into retaining walls and level changes

3. Bedding Layer

This depends on the chosen driveway surface:

• Block paving: 30–50mm of compacted sharp sand
• Concrete or flags: full mortar bed over sub-base or concrete slab
• Gravel: membrane over sub-base and appropriate gravel depth
• Resin-bound: usually over a suitable tarmac or concrete base

4. Surface Finish

• Concrete block paving
• Natural stone setts or cobbles
• Gravel (with or without stabilisation grids)
• Occasionally porcelain or stone for front courtyards / parking courts

Drainage & SUDS Requirements

For driveways in Godalming over 5m², government guidance and SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) principles require that surface water is not simply pushed out onto the public highway.

Typical drainage solutions include:

• Permeable driveway systems that allow water to soak through the surface
• Channel drains at the house or garage threshold, directing water to a soakaway or lawn area
• Falls across the drive towards permeable ground within your boundary
• Integrating drive falls with garden drainage and soakaways in suitable soils

We design each driveway so that water management is legal, safe and long-term, especially on sloping plots around Busbridge, Frith Hill or the edges of Witley. Our planning permission guide for Godalming covers the main rules for front drives and hard surfaces.

Driveway Surface Options in Godalming

1. Block Paving

• Popular for flexibility and repairability
• Available in a wide range of colours and patterns
• Requires correct edge restraints and sub-base to avoid spreading

2. Gravel Driveways

• Cost-effective and visually soft
• Ideal for rural and semi-rural locations such as Hambledon and Chiddingfold approaches
• Works well with stabilisation grids for cleaner, firmer surfaces

3. Natural Stone Setts

• Premium appearance — suits character homes in Godalming and Charterhouse
• Highly durable when laid correctly
• More labour-intensive, often used for feature strips or aprons

4. Resin-Bound Over Suitable Base

Sometimes installed over a properly prepared tarmac or concrete base. It needs careful planning and an appropriate sub-base to avoid reflection cracks and ponding.

Edge Restraints & Borders

Proper edge restraints are vital for driveway longevity:

• Concrete haunching to hold block paving in place
• Stone or brick edging to define drive and planting areas
• Flush or raised kerbs where necessary to keep surfaces contained

Borders also help visually frame the driveway and tie it into the rest of the front garden and house façade. Waste from excavation and old surfacing is handled in line with our waste removal & skips guidance.

Dealing with Slopes & Level Changes

Godalming’s terrain often means driveways are not perfectly flat. We frequently work with:

• Sloped drives leading down to garages or courtyards
• Tiered parking areas with small retaining walls
• Split-level entrances combining steps and parking

These layouts require careful balancing of:

• Safe gradients for vehicles
• Comfortable walking surfaces
• Controlled drainage and runoff

Where level changes are more significant we may introduce engineered retaining walls and link them into the overall driveway and front garden design.

Typical Driveway Costs in Godalming

Costs depend on size, ground conditions, access and material choice. Our Godalming landscaping costs guide sets out typical ranges for driveways, patios and larger renovation projects so you can benchmark quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a well-built driveway last?

With proper ground preparation, drainage and surface installation, a driveway should perform well for decades under normal domestic use. Occasional maintenance such as cleaning, re-sanding of block joints and clearing channel drains will help it last even longer.

Can you extend or widen an existing driveway?

Yes — we can extend, widen or reconfigure existing driveways, ensuring that the new and old sections are properly tied together and built to the same standard. We can also re-plan the front garden to improve parking, turning and planting.

Will I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Often not, provided drainage rules are followed and no significant level changes are introduced. However, front-garden drives, new crossovers and large areas of hardstanding can trigger extra considerations. Our planning permission guide for Godalming covers the main scenarios.

Do you handle all waste removal?

Yes. We organise skips or grab lorries as needed and ensure all spoil and old surfacing materials are disposed of legally and responsibly, in line with the approach outlined in our waste removal & skips page.

Planning a New Driveway in Godalming?

If you're in Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Witley, Hurtmore, Hambledon or the surrounding Surrey Hills and are considering a new driveway or a full front garden redesign, we’d be pleased to help.

We can advise on materials, drainage, levels and layout to create a driveway that looks smart, functions well and lasts.

Request a driveway consultation in Godalming

Godalming Landscaping Knowledge Hub

Explore all of our in-depth landscaping guides for Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Witley, Hurtmore, Hambledon and the surrounding Surrey Hills:

Start a Conversation