New Path - Semi-bound Surface

Date published: 14 May, 2021

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

The aim of this item is to construct a new path for non-motorised public use, with a hard-core sub-base and a ‘semi-bound’ surface material such as screened road planings or recycled industrial materials with a semi-binding property such as blaes, to provide a robust and hard-wearing path for shared use.

Any land is eligible.

If ground is well drained, construct standard 'full tray' path:

  • dig out and establish a rectangular section ‘full tray’ to at least 100mm depth
  • fill with Type 1 hard-core sub-base material 100mm minimum depth and compact with a vibrating plate or roller
  • apply a top layer of semi-binding recycled material or equivalent up to 100mm depth
  • roll together and flatten using specialist machinery to solidify and bind the surface
  • re-use excavated spoil to landscape path edges and verges

If ground is soft, deep mud/peat and/or poorly drained, construct a ‘half-tray’ with geotextile path:

  • dig out and establish a rectangular section path tray at least 50mm deep, using excavated spoil to build up the path edge and verge
  • line with geotextile and/or geo-grid if on deep soft wet ground
  • fill with Type 1 hard-core base material 100mm minimum depth and compact with vibrating plate or roller
  • apply a top layer of semi-binding recycled material or equivalent up to 100mm depth and no less than 25mm
  • roll together and flatten using specialist machinery to solidify and bind the surface
  • re-use excavated spoil to landscape path edges and verges

If ground contains tree roots or bedrock, construct a “floating” path:

  • establish a rectangular section ‘floating tray’ to at least 100mm depth, using spoil and turf to create a path edge and verge
  • line tray with geo-textile if required to protect tree roots
  • fill with Type 1 hard-core sub-base material 100mm minimum depth and compact with a vibrating plate or roller
  • apply a top layer of semi-binding recycled material or equivalent up to 100mm depth
  • roll together and flatten using specialist machinery to solidify and bind the surface
  • re-use excavated spoil to landscape path edges and verges

Other details:

  • path width will normally be 1.8 metres
  • depending on anticipated user numbers, mix of user types, flow and terrain narrower or wider path may be acceptable if justified, within the range of 1.2m to 2.5m
  • photographic evidence: You must keep a photographic record of the path construction showing before and during construction and to include the following

- Tray creation and excavation: clearly showing 100mm depth, photos taken at intervals along path length

- Sub-base laying and compaction : photos showing compaction in process

- Semi - bound surface showing material laying and clearly showing minimum 25mm depth and up to 100mm, photos taken at intervals along path length

You can claim £28.15 per square metre.

The inspectors will check:

  • The location and extent of the work as is detailed in the contract schedule of works and contract map
  • That the capital item requirements have been met as detailed above
  • That photographic evidence has been provided as detailed above

Section Change
Whole page Relflection of 2021 round