Tarmac Driveways in Wavendon

Wavendon has two quite different kinds of driveway. In and around the old village, some properties have long private drives running off narrow lanes, often finished in worn gravel or patched tarmac. On the newer developments, drives are shorter and sit in front of modern family homes.

Long private drives are where tarmac really earns its place. It covers distance cost effectively, gives a firm surface for deliveries and visitors, and avoids the constant raking and topping up that a gravel drive needs. We often see older drives here that have been patched many times, and in those cases resurfacing over the sound parts and rebuilding the failed sections can be a good approach.

On a long run the base needs care. Soft spots, old tree roots and areas where water collects show up as dips and cracks. We dig these out and rebuild them in compacted stone before laying the binder and surface courses, so the whole length rides evenly.

Rural drainage is different too. Water from a long drive may run towards a ditch, a hedge line or a lane rather than a street gully. We plan cross falls and, where needed, add channels or soakaways so the surface does not shed water onto the lane or leave puddles at the gate.

The entrance where a drive meets the lane is usually the most worn section, as vehicles brake, turn and pull away there. We build that bellmouth area strongly and set firm edges so it holds its shape.

Wavendon falls under Milton Keynes City Council. Any work at the boundary with a public road or verge may need highways approval as well, and some newer estates have deed covenants on front gardens. Ask the council about planning for your property, as the five square metre drainage rule still applies to front surfaces.