Resin driveways in Telford

Resin driveways have become a popular choice for homes around Telford and Shropshire. Here is a plain-English guide to the two main types, rough costs, the pros and cons, and the planning rules to be aware of.

Resin-bound vs resin-bonded

Resin-bound: the stones are mixed with resin before laying and trowelled to a smooth, even finish. Laid on a suitable base, it is usually permeable, so water can drain through it.
Resin-bonded: resin is spread over the base first and loose stones are scattered on top. This gives a rougher, gravel-like texture and is usually not permeable.

Typical UK costs per m² (2026 guides)

Type	Rough guide (supplied and laid)
Resin-bound over a sound existing base	Typically from £40 to £70 per m² (BestBuilders, Less)
Resin-bound with a new sub-base	Typically from £70 to £90 per m² (BestBuilders)
Resin-bound, all-in average	Around £120 per m², including materials and labour (Checkatrade)
Resin-bonded	Typically from £30 to £50 per m² (Less, BestBuilders)

Please note: these are UK-wide guide figures, not our prices. Different guides make different assumptions, especially about groundwork, which is why the figures vary. Prices in Telford and Shropshire can differ, and a site visit is the only way to get an accurate price.

Pros and cons

Pros

Smooth, seamless finish with a wide choice of stone colours
Resin-bound is usually permeable, which helps with drainage and planning
No loose stones to kick around (resin-bound), and weeds struggle to take hold
Can often be laid over a sound existing tarmac or concrete base

Cons

Usually costs more than tarmac
Only as good as the base underneath, so a poor base can lead to cracking
Some resins can discolour in sunlight unless a UV-stable resin is used
Patch repairs can be hard to colour-match
Resin-bonded can shed loose stones over time

Lifespan and maintenance

Published guides commonly put the lifespan of a well-laid resin-bound driveway at around 15 to 25 years (BestBuilders). Maintenance is fairly simple: sweep regularly, wash it down with a hose or a gentle pressure washer now and then, and deal with oil or other spills quickly.

Permeability, planning and SuDS

If you're surfacing more than 5m² of a front garden, it only counts as permitted development if the surface is permeable, or if rainwater runs to a lawn or border to drain naturally. Otherwise you'll need planning permission (GOV.UK, Planning Portal). This is part of the wider approach known as SuDS (sustainable drainage systems), which aims to stop rainwater rushing straight into drains.

Resin-bound laid on a permeable base usually meets this requirement. Resin-bonded is usually impermeable, so it may need extra drainage or planning permission on a front garden. If you're unsure, check with your local planning authority (Telford & Wrekin Council or Shropshire Council) before work starts.

Thinking about a resin driveway?

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Sources

Prices checked October 2026. Figures are national guides from third-party sources and are for illustration only.