Driveways in Hassocks & Mid Sussex

Block paving driveways

Block paving is hard-wearing, easy to repair and can be laid in herringbone, basketweave or stretcher bond patterns, with contrasting borders and edging to suit the house. Individual blocks can be lifted and relaid if a section ever needs attention, which a poured surface cannot offer.

Most of the work is out of sight. We dig out to the right depth, lay and compact a sub-base suited to cars and the ground underneath, set firm edge restraints, then lay, cut and compact the blocks and brush in the jointing sand. A poor base is the main reason driveways sink, rut or let weeds through, so it is the part we never rush.

Drainage, permeable paving and SuDS

Every driveway has to deal with rainwater. A permeable block paving driveway lets water soak through the joints into a stone sub-base, where it is held and released slowly. This is a type of sustainable drainage system (SuDS), and it is one of the easiest ways to keep a front driveway within the planning rules.

Much of Mid Sussex, including Burgess Hill and parts of Hassocks and Haywards Heath, sits on Weald Clay, which drains slowly. On clay, water held in a permeable sub-base may need a controlled outlet or a soakaway designed for the ground rather than relying on it soaking straight in. Where a traditional laid surface is used instead, we fall the paving towards channel drains or a border so that water stays on your land and away from the house.

Planning rules for front driveways

In England, a new or replacement front driveway on a house does not usually need planning permission if it uses a permeable surface, or if rainwater runs off to a lawn or border where it can drain away naturally. Covering more than five square metres of a front garden with an impermeable surface that drains onto the road usually does need planning permission.

Flats, listed buildings and homes in some conservation areas can have different rules, so check with your council (Mid Sussex District Council, Brighton & Hove City Council or, inside the National Park, the South Downs National Park Authority) before you commit.

Driveways and patios together

A new driveway is often the moment to sort out the rest of the outside of the house. We also build patios, paths, steps, low walls and other hard landscaping, so the front and back of the property can be planned together with matching materials and levels. You can see examples in our driveways and patios gallery.

Five-year workmanship guarantee

Every driveway we lay comes with a five-year workmanship guarantee. It covers the quality of our installation — the base, edging and finished surface — so you know we stand behind the work once we leave site.

If you are planning a new or replacement driveway in Hassocks, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath or nearby, get in touch for a free visit and quote. We will talk through the options for your plot and include the guarantee in the quote.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need planning permission for a new front driveway?

Not usually, if it uses a permeable surface such as permeable block paving, or if rainwater runs off to a lawn or border on your own land. Covering more than five square metres of front garden with an impermeable surface that drains towards the road usually needs planning permission.

What is permeable block paving?

Block paving laid with wider, open joints over a free-draining stone sub-base, so rainwater soaks through the surface and is held in the base rather than running off onto the road.

Can you lay a patio at the same time?

Yes. Many customers have a driveway and a patio or path done together, so the materials and levels work across the whole property.

Do you guarantee your driveway work?

Yes. Every driveway we lay comes with a five-year workmanship guarantee covering the quality of our installation.

Read our guide

• Front driveways and planning permission: a guide for Mid Sussex homeowners

Where we work

We’re based at 29b Keymer Road, Hassocks, and work across Mid Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Lewes and the wider Sussex area, including Hassocks, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Cuckfield, Hurstpierpoint & Ditchling, Lindfield, Worthing and East Hoathly.