How each surface is built
Resin bound is a mix of dried aggregate and clear UV stable resin, trowelled by hand to a smooth finish usually 15 to 18mm deep for cars. It has to go on a solid base. That's either a new open graded tarmac or concrete base, or an existing tarmac or concrete drive if it's sound, level and free of big cracks. The finished surface is porous, so rainwater passes straight through it.
Block paving is made of concrete or clay blocks laid on a sharp sand bed over a compacted MOT Type 1 sub base, normally 150 to 200mm deep for a driveway. Sand is brushed into the joints to lock the blocks together. Standard block paving isn't permeable, although permeable block systems with wider joints and a special open sub base are available.
Why Worcester's ground and rainfall matter
Much of Worcester sits on Mercia Mudstone, the red clay you'll know if you've ever dug a border in Claines, Warndon or St Peter's. Clay drains slowly and moves as it wets and dries, so a weak sub base will show itself as dips and rutting, especially where cars turn. Whichever surface you choose, most of the long term performance comes from the dig out and base.
Drainage is the other big local issue. Homes near the Severn and Teme, and anywhere with water running off a sloping drive onto the road, benefit from a surface that lets water soak away. On clay, a permeable surface may still need a soakaway or a linear drain. Ask any installer how they'll deal with water on your property, not just how the surface will look.
Planning rules for front driveways
You don't normally need planning permission for a new front driveway over 5 square metres, provided the surface is permeable or the water runs onto a lawn or border within your property. If you want an impermeable surface that drains towards the road, you'll need permission from Worcester City Council, or from Wychavon or Malvern Hills if you live outside the city boundary.
Properly installed resin bound meets the permeable requirement. Standard block paving only meets it if it falls towards a soft area or a soakaway. If you live in a conservation area such as parts of Barbourne, St John's or around the Cathedral, check with the council first, because materials and boundary changes can be controlled.
Cost, lifespan and upkeep compared
Prices depend on access, how much needs digging out, the base required and the aggregate or block you pick, so treat these as rough guides only. Getting several written quotes is always worth it.
- Resin bound on a new base: roughly £70 to £120 per square metre, or less if an existing sound drive can be overlaid.
- Block paving: roughly £60 to £110 per square metre, with clay pavers and intricate patterns at the top end.
- Lifespan: both can last 15 to 25 years or more on a good base. Poor base work shortens either one dramatically.
- Upkeep for resin: a stiff brush and an occasional low pressure wash. There are no joints for weeds, but moss can form in shady spots.
- Upkeep for blocks: re-sanding the joints, weed treatment and occasional re-sealing. Individual blocks can be lifted and relaid after drain or cable work, which is a real advantage.
Which suits your home?
Resin bound usually suits you if you want a seamless, low maintenance finish, you need a permeable surface without extra drainage, or your existing tarmac or concrete is sound enough to overlay. It's also good for step free access, as it can be laid flush to thresholds.
Block paving is often the better choice for heavy use, such as regular vans or motorhomes, or where you expect utility work under the drive, or if you prefer a traditional look that matches brick houses. Either way, the best result comes from an installer who explains the base, the drainage and the edging in detail, and who can show you driveways they've finished locally.
