Can permeable concrete be used under resin or block paving?

Yes. A permeable concrete slab can be used as a base under resin bound finishes or permeable block paving systems where water management is important.

Do I need planning permission for a permeable driveway?

Often not, because permeable construction is normally encouraged. However, rules can vary in formal flood zones or conservation areas, so we’ll advise based on your postcode and site.

Permeable concrete driveways

Q: Is permeable concrete suitable for flood risk areas?

Yes. Permeable concrete is designed so rainwater passes through the slab and into a prepared stone sub-base, helping reduce surface runoff in flood-prone locations. The exact build-up depends on soil type, levels and local drainage guidance.

Q: How much does a permeable concrete driveway cost?

Permeable concrete driveway bases typically start from around £60 per square metre on sensible sized areas with straightforward access. Final pricing depends on excavation depth, sub-base thickness, reinforcement, edges, drainage detail and the condition of the site.

Strong, drainable concrete driveway bases for homes in flood risk and high water areas across Kent, East Sussex & Surrey.

Call: 07438455775 | Freephone: 0800 861 1027

What is permeable concrete?

Permeable concrete (sometimes called pervious or open-graded concrete) is formed so rainwater can pass through the surface and into a prepared stone sub-base underneath, rather than sitting on top or running straight to the road.

For driveways in flood-prone areas or close to rivers and streams, a permeable concrete base helps manage surface water sensibly as part of a wider drainage plan for the property.

Where permeable concrete works well

Driveways in mapped flood zones or areas that regularly hold water.
Homes close to rivers or streams, such as some parts of Chertsey, Yalding and Tonbridge.
Parking areas where standard concrete or tarmac has caused runoff or pooling.
Driveways where you plan to add resin or another permeable surface on top later.

Every plot is different, so we always look at levels, soil type and existing drainage before suggesting a specification.

Permeable concrete driveway photo to be added

Guide price for permeable concrete driveways

Permeable concrete driveway base: starting from £60 per m²*

*Guide prices are based on larger areas with reasonable access and generous m² measurements.

Resin Overlay — from £40 per m²*

*Based on larger areas with a sound existing surface and generous m² measurements. Smaller or awkward layouts are priced once we've seen them properly.

Final costs depend on excavation depth, sub-base thickness, geotextile layers, reinforcement, edging, manholes and how surface water needs to be managed on your plot.

Permeable concrete for flood risk areas

Many homes around rivers and low-lying land now have to think carefully about how their driveway sheds water. In “at risk of surface water” zones, permeable construction is often preferred over solid, non-draining surfaces.

We regularly inspect driveways in areas that have seen flooding or standing water, including towns and villages along the River Medway and River Thames. Typical situations include:

Existing concrete or tarmac drives that push water straight into the road.
Low points where water collects against the house or garage.
Shared drives where hard surfaces have been added over time.

Permeable concrete cannot stop flooding on its own, but it helps the driveway behave better in heavy rain by storing and soaking water into the sub-base instead of sending runoff into already-pressured drains.

We’ll advise on local planning and drainage guidance where needed, especially in formally recognised flood zones.

Using permeable concrete under other surfaces

A permeable concrete slab can also be used as the base for other finishes. For example, it can sit underneath a resin bound driveway or be combined with permeable block paving jointing to help water soak away.

This build-up is useful where you want a smarter surface on top but still need the benefits of a permeable system underneath.

Typical layered builds include:

Permeable stone sub-base with geotextile separation.
Permeable concrete slab to a specified depth.
Resin bound finish or other agreed surface on top.
Carefully planned falls and edges so water goes where it should.

We can price permeable concrete on its own or as part of a full driveway package.

Areas we cover

We install permeable concrete driveway bases across Kent, East Sussex and Surrey, including postcodes that have had issues with flooding and surface water.

Medway and nearby Kent villages, including Yalding and Tonbridge.
Low-lying and riverside parts of Surrey such as areas around Chertsey.
Homes in and around Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Heathfield, Uckfield and Crowborough.

If you’re in a flood risk area or have water standing on your drive, send your postcode and a short outline of the issue when you contact us.

Permeable concrete driveway questions

Is permeable concrete suitable for flood risk areas?

Yes. It allows water to pass through the slab into the prepared sub-base, reducing surface runoff. We tailor the build to your soil type, levels and drainage rules.

How much does a permeable concrete driveway cost?

Permeable concrete bases usually start from around £60 per m² on larger, straightforward areas. The final cost depends on excavation depth, sub-base thickness, edges and drainage detail.

Can it be used under resin or block paving?

It can. Where water management matters, a permeable slab provides a strong, drainable base for resin bound finishes or permeable block paving systems.

Do I need planning permission?

Often no, because permeable construction is generally encouraged — but if you’re in a formal flood zone or conservation area we’ll advise based on your postcode.

Need a driveway that copes better with water?

If you live in a flood risk or high water area in Kent, East Sussex or Surrey, permeable concrete could be part of the answer. Send your postcode, rough size and a few photos and we can outline what’s realistic and give a sensible guide price.

All driveway quotes are completely free and carried out in person, so we can give you an accurate and honest price for your property.

Call 07438455775 or freephone 0800 861 1027

Ask about permeable concrete