Recent project / Thatcham, West Berkshire
Double dropped kerb and block-paved driveway in Thatcham
Two neighbouring properties. One coordinated access upgrade. We installed a double dropped kerb in Thatcham and transformed a worn front garden into a new block-paved driveway.
Neighbouring residential properties · Thatcham, Berkshire
18 m²
New block-paved driveway
19 m²
Approximate crossing area
Double
Dropped kerb for neighbouring properties
01 / The transformation
Two neighbours.
A better way in.
The before photos show a grassed parking area, a narrow path and the raised kerb along the frontage. Our work brought the access together: a neighbouring double dropped kerb across the two properties, fresh tarmac to the crossing and an 18 m² block-paved driveway at one home.
Before
After
02 / Beneath the surface
A fresh finish starts
with the foundation.
Remove and prepare
We excavated approximately 18 m² for the new driveway to a depth of 230 mm. The approximately 19 m² crossing area was excavated to the relevant highway specification, with waste removed from site.
Build the foundation
The driveway was prepared with compacted Type 1 limestone sub-base, with geotextile where required for separation and stabilisation. A 30–40 mm sharp-sand screed formed the laying bed for the blocks. Type 1 sub-base also supported the crossing.
Form the double dropped kerb
We installed the low kerbs and transition on a GEN1 concrete foundation to form the neighbouring double dropped kerb. One BT cover and two water stopcock covers were adjusted to suit the new levels.
Lay the finished surface
Marshalls concrete block paving was laid to the driveway, with kiln-dried jointing sand brushed in and a power-plate finish. The crossing received a 40–50 mm layer of 6 mm tarmac, compacted with a roller and power plate.
Materials used
Type 1 limestone sub-base · sharp-sand laying bed · Marshalls concrete block paving · kiln-dried jointing sand · low kerbs on GEN1 concrete · 6 mm tarmac.
Completed crossing
Highway licence paperwork
The paperwork? We handled it.
We completed the highway licence paperwork free of charge, handling the application administration and liaison with the highway authority. There was no Irvine Surfacing administration charge; council and highway application fees were separate.
03 / The finished details
A new driveway.
Joined-up access.
The new paving creates a defined parking space, with a neat border alongside the existing path and planting. At the road, the lowered kerb and renewed tarmac crossing serve the neighbouring properties as one coordinated project.
Finished
Before / The detail
This Thatcham project combined the visible transformation of a front garden with the less visible preparation beneath both surfaces—and the highway licence paperwork needed to organise the crossing works.
Let’s talk about your driveway
Need a dropped kerb or a new driveway?
Planning work in Thatcham or the surrounding area? Talk to Irvine Surfacing about a driveway, a dropped kerb, or a coordinated project with your neighbour. We can assess the site and explain the work and application process.
Explore our block paving services in West Berkshire and dropped kerb services, or see more completed surfacing projects.