Is a permeable concrete driveway suitable for flood risk areas?

Permeable concrete can be a sensible option for flood risk and high water areas because it allows surface water to pass through the slab into a prepared stone sub-base, rather than running straight off into the road or back towards the house. It does not stop rivers from flooding, but it helps driveways behave better during heavy rain.

How much does a permeable concrete driveway cost?

As a guide, permeable concrete driveway bases typically start from around £60 per m² on larger areas with reasonable access. Final costs depend on excavation depth, sub-base thickness, reinforcement, edging, manholes, levels and how surface water needs to be managed on your property.

Do I still need to check planning or SuDS guidance?

Yes. Even with permeable concrete, it’s important to follow local planning and SuDS guidance, especially in mapped flood zones or where councils require soakaway-style drainage. We can work within any advice you’ve already been given.

Can permeable concrete be used under resin or block paving?

Yes. A permeable concrete slab can be used as a strong, drainable base under resin bound finishes or permeable block paving systems when water management matters.

Permeable concrete driveways for flood risk areas

Drainable concrete driveway bases for homes in flood-prone and high water locations across Kent, Surrey and East Sussex.

Call: 07438455775 | Freephone: 0800 861 1027

Driveways that cope better with heavy rain

Many homes in the South East sit close to rivers or on low-lying ground. Areas near the River Thames, River Medway, River Mole and River Wey, plus parts of East Sussex around the Ouse and Rother, all see their share of high water and flood warnings.

On these plots, standard concrete or tarmac can send rainwater straight toward the road, public drains or back toward the house. Permeable concrete is designed differently: surface water passes through the slab into a carefully prepared stone sub-base below.

Used as part of a wider drainage plan, this helps the driveway behave better in bad weather by slowing the rate water leaves the surface.

Typical higher-risk locations we work in

Riverside and low-lying parts of Surrey, including areas around Chertsey and neighbouring villages.
The Medway valley including Yalding, Tonbridge and parts of Maidstone.
Low-lying areas near Surrey streams such as the Mole and Wey.
Flood-aware parts of East Sussex close to the Ouse, Rother and tributaries.

Every property is different, so the final design is always based on local levels, soil, existing drainage and any advice you’ve already had.

Permeable concrete driveway in a flood-aware setting

Guide pricing

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.

Exact costs depend on excavation depth, sub-base thickness, reinforcement, edging, manholes, falls and how surface water needs to be handled on your plot.

What permeable concrete can and can’t do

It’s important to be realistic. Permeable concrete cannot stop a river rising or solve every flood problem on its own. What it can do is help your driveway and parking area deal with rain more sensibly.

Permeable concrete can help to:

Reduce standing water on the driveway surface after heavy showers.
Slow down runoff heading straight for the road or public drains.
Work alongside channels, soakaways or other drainage measures on the plot.

Permeable concrete cannot:

Guarantee that a property will not flood.
Replace proper drainage design on higher-risk sites.
Override local planning or SuDS guidance where rules are stricter.

We’re happy to work within any recommendations you’ve already been given by the council or a drainage engineer.

Layered systems and other driveway finishes

Permeable concrete is often used as part of a layered driveway build. You might want the performance of a permeable base, but a different finish on top.

Common combinations we install

Permeable stone sub-base with geotextile separation.
Permeable concrete slab to a specified depth.
Resin bound finish designed to work as a drainable system.
Carefully planned falls and edges so water goes where it should.

Depending on the look you want, we can also advise on permeable block paving details or gravel over permeable bases.

Areas we cover for flood-aware driveway work

We install permeable concrete driveway bases across Kent, Surrey and East Sussex for plots that need to think more carefully about water.

Riverside and low-lying Surrey locations, including Chertsey and nearby areas.
Medway-side locations such as Yalding, Tonbridge and surrounding villages.
Other sensible-travel areas across Kent, Surrey and East Sussex.

If you’re unsure whether your home counts as “high risk”, we can still look at permeable options. Let us know if you’ve had standing water, runoff problems or past flood damage.

Permeable driveway FAQs

Will a permeable concrete driveway stop my home from flooding?

No driveway surface can guarantee that. Permeable concrete helps the driveway behave better in heavy rain by giving water somewhere to go, but it isn’t a replacement for wider flood defence measures.

Do I need planning permission or SuDS approval?

Rules vary depending on your location and driveway size. Permeable construction usually fits better within SuDS guidance, but we still recommend checking basics with your council if you’re unsure.

Can you combine permeable concrete with a resin driveway?

Yes. Permeable concrete can be used as a strong drainable base for resin bound finishes on flood-aware plots.

What information do you need to quote?

Your postcode, rough driveway size, any history of flooding or standing water, and a few photos of the existing surface. From there we can give a realistic guide price and arrange a visit if appropriate.

Need a driveway that copes better with water?

If you’re in a flood risk or high water area in Kent, Surrey or East Sussex, a permeable concrete base could be worth considering. Send your postcode, rough measurements and a couple of photos for a sensible guide price and an honest view on what’s realistic.

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 in flood zones