How much does a recessed cover cost in West Sussex?
Guide price in West Sussex: £270–£700 including VAT. These are South East guide figures; the survey or your photos confirm the real price before you commit.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Recessed manhole cover fitted (per cover) | £270–£700 |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£55 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £380–£1,100 |
| Soakaway | £970–£2,150 |
| Highway authority dropped kerb application fee | £60–£540 |
Guide figures for the South East, checked 9 November 2026.
Towns we cover in West Sussex
We quote recessed covers in every town across West Sussex, including:
What does a recessed cover involve?
It is usually fitted as part of a new drive or a re-lay, when the old cover and frame are taken out, the chamber is checked and raised or lowered to the new level, and the recessed unit is bedded so it sits flush with the blocks. The tray must have a load rating suitable for cars.
Planning-sensitive towns and conservation areas are common in the South East, so we check the front-garden rules before quoting.
- Lifting keys handed over
- Chamber brickwork raised or lowered to the new level
- Blocks cut to continue the pattern inside the tray
- Removal of the old cover and frame
- Recessed tray bedded on mortar and set flush
What the survey covers
- Levels of the pavement, kerb and drive
- Load ratings needed for covers and gratings
- Access and working space
- Where water collects now and where it can go
- Ground conditions for any soakaway
Rules for front drives in West Sussex
In England, paving in front of the house that covers more than 5 m² needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway inside your boundary. Permeable block paving, or standard blocks laid to fall onto a planted strip, avoid the need for permission in most cases.
Flats and maisonettes, listed buildings, and homes covered by an Article 4 direction can have tighter rules, and conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes restrict some permitted development.
A dropped kerb needs your local highway authority's approval (usually the county, unitary, metropolitan or London borough council), and a new access onto an A, B or C classified road also needs planning permission.
General guidance, not legal advice. Your survey confirms what applies to your home. See the planning guide.
How it works
Tell us about the job
Use the form, the quote tool, WhatsApp or a call.
We take a look
A survey visit, or photos for smaller repair and cleaning jobs.
Price in writing
Every line itemised, including the dig, edging and drainage.
Booked and built
Agreed start date, then the work, the final clean-down and the joint top-up.
Recessed covers in West Sussex: questions
How much does a recessed cover cost in West Sussex?
Guide price: £270–£700 including VAT. The survey confirms the work needed.
Can this be done at the same time as a new drive in West Sussex?
Yes, and it usually should be, so the levels match and the paving is only disturbed once.
Who approves a recessed cover in West Sussex?
For a dropped kerb, your local highway authority (usually your council). For drainage and covers on private land, no approval is usually needed, but connections to public sewers need the water company's consent.
Do you work in Crawley, Worthing and Bognor Regis?
Yes. We cover all of West Sussex, including Crawley, Worthing and Bognor Regis.
