Sub Base & Hardcore

MOT Type 1 is a limestone or granite based primary sub base material suitable for general foundations, road construction and traditional driveways. It's the standard choice for most groundwork applications. MOT Type 3 (also called DOT Type 1 X) is a SUDS compliant material designed for sustainable urban drainage systems. It's the suggested base material for all new driveways as it allows water to drain through rather than creating runoff. Type 3 conforms to Marshalls, Formpave, AquaPave and AquaSlab guidelines, making it essential for modern paving installations requiring drainage compliance.

SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. SUDS compliant materials allow rainwater to drain through the surface rather than creating runoff that overloads drainage systems. Our SUDS materials include MOT Type 3, 2-6mm Limestone for laying paving slabs, and 20-4mm Limestone for paving installations. These materials meet guidelines from Marshalls, Formpave, AquaPave and AquaSlab manufacturers. Using SUDS compliant materials is increasingly important for new driveways and paved areas to manage surface water sustainably and meet modern building regulations.

Primary materials (limestone or granite based MOT Type 1) offer guaranteed quality, BS certification, and consistent performance — ideal for structural applications, foundations, and projects requiring specific standards. Recycled materials (crushed concrete 6F5, Type 1 Recycled) provide cost-effective alternatives for groundworks, drainage systems and general construction where premium quality isn't critical. Primary materials cost more but ensure compliance with building standards. Recycled options work well for larger projects where cost savings matter — particularly bulk orders over 5 tonnes. We can advise which option suits your specific job requirements.

Crushed Concrete 6F5 is a recycled aggregate made from demolished concrete structures, crushed and graded to specific sizes. The 6F5 designation indicates it meets certain grading standards for use as sub base material. It's a cost-effective alternative to primary MOT Type 1 for applications like drainage systems, general groundworks, and construction projects where you don't require the premium quality of quarry-fresh limestone or granite. 6F5 is environmentally friendly, reduces waste, and offers significant cost savings on larger projects.

2-6mm Limestone is a fine SUDS compliant material specifically designed for laying paving slabs. Its small particle size creates a smooth, level bed that allows for precise slab positioning while maintaining drainage properties. This material conforms to Marshalls and Formpave guidelines for sustainable drainage paving installations. It's the preferred bedding material for modern paving projects replacing traditional sharp sand in applications requiring water permeability. The fine grade ensures proper support for slabs while allowing rainwater to drain through to the sub base below.

For new driveways, SUDS compliant materials like MOT Type 3 are increasingly recommended and may be required depending on your local planning requirements. Modern building regulations often require sustainable drainage solutions to prevent surface water runoff. If you're installing permeable paving from manufacturers like Marshalls, Formpave, AquaPave or AquaSlab, SUDS compliant base materials are essential for the system to function correctly. For traditional driveways or repairs to existing installations, standard MOT Type 1 may be sufficient. Contact us on 01635 865679 to discuss your specific project and compliance requirements.

Sub base and hardcore materials serve multiple construction applications: Foundations for buildings, extensions and structural work. Road Construction for new roads, repairs and infrastructure projects. New Driveways requiring stable base layers under paving or tarmac. Drainage Systems needing permeable base materials. Groundworks for general construction and development projects. Landscaping for paths, patios and garden features. We supply materials for any job size from small residential projects to large commercial developments throughout Berkshire, North Hampshire and Southern Oxfordshire.