Block Paving, Resin Bound & Porcelain Driveways
A new driveway instantly transforms your home's kerb appeal and makes a strong first impression. We install driveways built to withstand the test of time — from classic block paving to modern resin bound finishes.
Your driveway is the first thing visitors see. A cracked, weed-ridden or potholed surface undermines even the most beautiful home — while a fresh, well-designed driveway adds immediate kerb appeal and makes a strong first impression.
Premium Landscapes installs driveways across Leicester and Leicestershire. From traditional block paving to modern resin bound surfaces, we offer a full range of materials and designs to suit your home and budget.
All driveways are installed with a properly engineered sub-base, appropriate drainage, and finished to the highest standard. Get a free instant quote and see a realistic before/after preview of your new driveway using our AI design tool.
We offer a comprehensive range of materials and grades to suit every style and budget.
A widely installed driveway surface. Highly durable, fully repairable and available in a huge range of colours and patterns. Classic herringbone or stretcher bond.
A smooth, seamless surface made from natural aggregate bound with clear UV-stable resin. SuDS-compliant — meets permitted development drainage requirements for front drives.
Cost-effective, durable and quick to install. Modern tarmac in a range of colours. Ideal for larger driveways.
The premium choice. Matching your patio with driveway-grade porcelain creates a stunning unified look. Frost-proof and easy to clean.
Budget-friendly and effective drainage. Self-binding gravel options provide a stable surface without loose stones.
Natural stone for a traditional, characterful appearance. Each slab unique. Ideal for period properties.
A clear, transparent process from first contact to project handover.
Upload a photo of your current driveway and get an instant price and realistic preview of your new surface — free, no obligation.
We assess the size, existing drainage, crossover condition and edging requirements. We'll advise on the best material for your specific property.
Existing surface and topsoil are removed. A compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base of 100–150mm is installed — the foundation of a long-lasting driveway.
Concrete kerb edgings or block soldier courses are laid to retain the surface and provide a clean, defined edge.
Your chosen material is installed and compacted or bound as required. Drainage channels and gullies are fitted where needed.
Jointing compound or kiln-dried sand is brushed in, the surface is compacted and sealed if required. Site fully cleared before handover.
All prices are guides only — every project is unique. Use our free quote tool for an accurate instant estimate for your garden.
Up to 30m² · Block paving or tarmac, new edging, waste removal
30–60m² · Resin bound or porcelain, drainage channels, gates
60m²+ · Full engineering, multiple materials, drainage systems
Leicester's housing market is competitive, and first impressions count. A cracked, stained or dated driveway signals neglect before a buyer even steps inside. A new driveway is one of the most practical improvements you can make to a Leicestershire home — improving kerb appeal, drainage and everyday usability.
There's also a practical consideration: with planning rules in Leicestershire requiring permeable surfaces for front drives over 5m², material choice matters. Resin bound gravel and block paving with permeable jointing both satisfy these requirements while looking exceptional.
We've installed driveways across Leicester — from the terraced streets of Clarendon Park to the large detached properties of Oadby and Blaby. We understand local planning requirements and will advise on the best surface for your property and budget.
Explore our detailed guides on the two most popular driveway surface options in Leicester.
Herringbone, basket weave and stretcher bond patterns. Hard-wearing, fully repairable, prices from £70/m².
View block paving guide →SUDS-compliant, weed-free, smooth permeable surface. No planning permission needed, prices from £85/m².
View resin driveway guide →Block paving is a widely chosen driveway surface across Leicester and Leicestershire — chosen for its durability, its repairability and the huge range of colours, shapes and laying patterns available. From classic herringbone and basket weave to stretcher bond and random pattern, we help you choose a design that complements your home's character. All block paving driveways are installed with a concrete haunch edging, compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base and kiln-dried sand jointing for a finish that lasts 20+ years and can be individually repaired if a slab is ever damaged.
Existing surfaces are broken up and removed from site. We excavate to the correct depth — typically 200–300mm depending on surface type and vehicle loading.
A compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base is laid and mechanically compacted. This is the most critical stage — a driveway is only as good as what's underneath it.
Edging restraints are set, and drainage channels are installed where required to manage surface water correctly.
The chosen surface is installed to the manufacturer specification. Block paving is individually laid and compacted; resin bound is trowel-applied in a single continuous pour.
Joints are filled or sealed, the surface is cleaned down, and all waste is removed. Most driveways can be used by foot within hours; vehicles after 24–48 hours.
Since 2008, front driveways in England over 5m² must use a permeable surface or drain to a soakaway. Installing an impermeable surface without proper drainage is technically a planning breach.
Driveway failures — cracking, lifting, sinking — are almost always sub-base failures. A lower quote often means a thinner, uncompacted base that guarantees expensive remedial work.
Block paving without proper edging will spread and loosen over time, especially on gentle slopes. Concrete haunching or proprietary edge restraints are essential on every installation.
Resin bound surfaces laid too thin (under 18mm) are brittle and prone to cracking, especially where vehicles turn. We always lay to the manufacturer's minimum recommended depth.
Permitted development rules in England require that front driveways over 5m² use a permeable surface, or that surface water drains to a lawn, border or soakaway — rather than running directly onto the highway or into the public drain. This applies to residential properties in Leicester, Oadby & Wigston, Blaby and the wider Leicestershire area.
Permeable block paving (using open-jointed blocks or permeable mortar-free jointing) and resin bound gravel both satisfy the permitted development drainage requirements. Standard impermeable block paving with a solid mortar bed, or standard tarmac, may require planning permission if water cannot be directed to a permeable area or soakaway.
If your property is in a designated conservation area, an AONB or if you have a listed building consent requirement, additional rules may apply. We advise on this as part of every free site survey.
Relevant guidance: DCLG "Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens" (2008) and the General Permitted Development Order (England) 2015, Class F.
Every driveway surface has a different combination of cost, appearance, drainage and maintenance. Here's a straightforward comparison for Leicester homeowners.
| Surface | Typical cost (supply & install) | Permeable? | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block paving | £70–£120/m² | Yes (permeable jointing) | 25–30 years | Re-joint every 5–10 years; individual blocks replaceable |
| Resin bound | £85–£140/m² | Yes (inherently permeable) | 15–25 years | Occasional weed treatment; re-coat if surface wears |
| Tarmac | £50–£80/m² | No (standard tarmac) | 20–30 years | Re-seal every 3–5 years; repair cracks promptly |
| Gravel | £30–£50/m² | Yes | Indefinite (replenish gravel) | Rake regularly; top up gravel annually |
Indicative costs for Leicester and Leicestershire. Final price depends on access, excavation depth and disposal costs. Use our free calculator for a personalised estimate.
Everything you need to know before getting started.
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