ENGINEERED DRIVEWAY FOUNDATIONS & PAVING
A driveway is only as good as its sub-base. We combine civil engineering standards with aesthetic precision to create driveways in Staffordshire that never sink, spread, or hold water.

We Dig Deeper
Articles
The most common reason for driveway failure (sunken tyre tracks, spreading blocks, and cracked resin) is a lack of preparation beneath the surface. Many budget contractors save money by skimming off the topsoil and laying a thin layer of stone. It looks good for six months, but once the wet weather hits, the failure begins.
At Tilsley Groundworks, we apply highway standards to residential driveways. We don't just "scrape" the ground; we excavate. Using our own fleet of Volvo excavators, we dig down to a structural depth (typically 250mm+), removing all organic soft material. We then install a heavy-duty geotextile membrane to prevent weed growth and ground mixing, followed by Type 1 MOT stone.

The Tilsley Specification
We compact our sub-bases using commercial vibrating rollers, not lightweight whacker plates. This creates a rock-solid platform capable of supporting heavy SUVs and delivery vans without shifting. When you invest in a Tilsley driveway, you are investing in what lies beneath.
Driveway Services
Excavation & Concreting
Many homeowners utilise specialist resin-bound or asphalt companies who require a pre-prepared base. We act as the groundwork partner for these projects. We handle the heavy excavation, drainage installation, and the laying of open-textured tarmac or concrete bases, leaving a perfectly level canvas for your specialist surface installer.

Block Paving Supply & Fit
From classic Herringbone to modern Tegula and rumbled setts, we handle the complete installation. We lay our pavers on a screeded bed of sharp sand, ensuring perfect alignment and drainage falls. All edges are concreted in place to prevent "spreading," ensuring your driveway borders remain crisp for decades.

Tarmac, Gravel & Farm Tracks
For longer private roads, farm tracks, or large parking areas in Lichfield and Tamworth, block paving may not be cost-effective. We offer machine-laid tarmacadam and grid-stabilised gravel solutions. These provide a durable, permeable surface capable of handling heavy traffic and agricultural machinery.


No Puddles. No Planning Permission Issues.
Changes to UK legislation regarding front gardens mean you cannot simply pave over your driveway if the water runs into the street. Doing so requires Planning Permission. However, Tilsley Groundworks builds SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) compliant driveways, which typically bypass the need for planning approval.
Engineered Drainage Solutions
We design your driveway with correct falls (gradients) to direct water away from your home. We install Aco drainage channels and interceptors that feed into specifically designed soakaways (crates buried underground that release water slowly back into the soil). This ensures your new driveway is legal, flood-proof, and never holds standing water during heavy Midlands storms.
No Skips Blocking Your View
Excavating a standard two-car driveway generates over 20 tonnes of waste soil and concrete. For most builders, this means having multiple large skips sitting on your road for weeks, annoying neighbors and blocking access.
We do it differently. Because we own our own 8-Wheel Grab Lorries, we operate a "load and go" system. Our excavators dig the ground and load it directly onto the lorry, which leaves the site immediately. This keeps your property clean, safe, and free of unsightly waste containers throughout the project. It’s part of our commitment to being "low impact" on your lifestyle while delivering "high impact" results.

Sourced for Longevity
We refuse to use sub-standard pavers that fade in the sun or crack under frost. We source our materials from the UK's leading manufacturers, including Marshalls, Brett, and Tobermore.




Whether you want the natural texture of Indian Sandstone, the clean lines of granite setts, or the permeability of a gravel grid system, we bring samples to your consultation so you can see exactly what you are buying.
Driveway Groundworks FAQ
Do I need Planning Permission for a new driveway?
Do I need Planning Permission for a new driveway?
Generally, no—provided the driveway is permeable (porous) or directs water to a soakaway/border within your property (SUDS compliant). Tilsley Groundworks designs all driveways to meet these criteria, removing the hassle and cost of planning applications for 95% of our clients.
Will the driveway sink where my car parks?
Will the driveway sink where my car parks?
This is known as "rutting," and it occurs when the sub-base is too thin. We install a minimum of 150mm of Type 1 MOT stone (often deeper on clay soils), compacted in layers. This creates a raft-like stability that easily handles the weight of modern SUVs and electric vehicles.
Can you lower the kerb (Drop Kerb) for access?
Can you lower the kerb (Drop Kerb) for access?
Yes, but this requires a specialized "Street Works" license from the local council. We can guide you through the application process and execute the works to Highways standards, ensuring you have legal vehicular access to your new driveway.


