Permeable concrete (also known as porous or no-fines concrete) is a specialised ready mix concrete designed to allow water to drain through the surface and into the ground below. At Sussex Ready Mix Concrete, we supply permeable concrete solutions for projects where surface water management and sustainable drainage are priorities — from driveways and car parks to public realm and landscaping applications.
By allowing rainfall to filter through the surface, permeable concrete helps reduce runoff, alleviate local flooding risk, and support sustainable drainage system (SuDS) objectives — making it ideal for modern developments, residential estates, and environmentally sensitive sites.
Permeable concrete is a type of concrete with a high void content, achieved by reducing fine aggregates in the mix. This creates interconnected pores that allow water to pass through the concrete and filter into the subbase or soil beneath, rather than running off the surface.
Unlike traditional concrete, permeable concrete is engineered to balance structural performance with permeability – making it suitable for driveways, parking areas, pathways, and landscaped surfaces where water needs to drain quickly and naturally.
Improved Surface Drainage
Water passes through the surface into a subbase or surrounding soils, reducing pooling and surface runoff.
Supports Sustainable Drainage (SuDS)
Permeable concrete contributes to planning requirements aimed at managing stormwater and reducing pressure on public sewer systems.
Reduced Flood Risk
By dispersing rainfall into the ground, permeable surfaces can help lower local flood risk in heavy rain events.
Low-Maintenance Surface
Without trapped standing water, permeable concrete surfaces often require less ongoing maintenance than impermeable finishes.
Permeable concrete is suitable for a wide range of installations:
Residential driveways with drainage requirements
Car parks and communal parking areas
Pathways and walkways in parks, estates, and campuses
Landscaping and garden drainage features
SuDS-aligned estate roads and courts
Where planning conditions or environmental restrictions require sustainable drainage, permeable concrete provides an effective structural surface solution.
Permeable concrete is installed similarly to traditional concrete but requires specific considerations:
A well-designed subbase to support infiltration
Proper compaction and finishing techniques
Alignment with SuDS design principles for long-term performance
Adequate jointing and edge restraints
Our team can advise on placement and design best practices so your permeable concrete surface performs effectively.
We supply permeable concrete to projects throughout:
Whether you’re working with an engineer, landscape architect, or main contractor, we deliver fresh, site-mixed permeable concrete tailored to your schedule and site access.
If your project requires sustainable drainage, reduced runoff, or SuDS-compliant surfaces, we can advise on the right permeable concrete solution and provide a competitive quote.
Sussex Ready Mix Concrete is your local trusted provider of high-quality concrete and screed. Enjoy fast delivery, with same or next-day options available across the region. Unsure if we cover your area? Quickly check our areas we cover page or give our friendly team a call.
Take a look where we deliver our ready mix concrete throughout East and West Sussex.
