New Drive, choice of material

[Dringo]

Hi Guys,
Newbie here, so firstly apologies if I've posted this in the wrong section (I moderate a car forum so know how annoying it can be).

Purchased a house 3 months, ago and after doing extensive renovation inside, it's now time to move to the outside.
We currently have a single driveway which is simply 2 rows of council slab with block paving inbetween.

I plan on building a second driveway alongside, and using the same method (mostly).
However, I would prefer not to use council slabs are they are cheap and nasty. Looking at various advice online, and I can't find any alternative slabs that would be suitable (they all say to use standard council slabs as they are only type that can take the weight of a car).
I find this hard to believe, and someone somewhere must sell some semi-decorative slabs that are up to the task.

Anyone any ideas on what to use or where to get them? I'd prefer not to pay an arm and a leg as it's already costing £750 to get the council to move a lampost 3m, and then another £1200 to get them to drop the curb.

Cheers

Al

 

[pred]

I use these for patio's but they reckon you can drive a car on them as long as the base is prepared properly,

http://www.stone-traders.co.uk/?kw=...19&network=s&gclid=CLrPraCD6LECFVMdtAodRjUAFA

It is natural stone and thickness varies considerably, i use a screed type sand and cement to lay them on, the company is based in London and to date i have had no problems with delivery and their prices are not to bad but google natural stone and check out the other sites.

 

[big-all]

heeelllooo and welcome Dringo
as an aside
remember rainwater must discharge onto your land not the public sewers or highway

 

[Alastairreid]

Im doing my own drive at the moment and came across the same problem regarding a decent slab suitable for driveways.

I found this site and have ordered a sample, a little pricey as i need 30m2 but they look great.

http://simplypaving.com/carpet-ston...d-cobble-straight-1200-x-400-30-per-pack.html

 

[jeds]

Presumably you've got your planning permision sorted. You wouldn't want the council man coming and making you take it up.

 

[pred]

I find http://www.castacrete.co.uk/ a good soarse for concrete pavers and tumbled concrete sets, i'm in the process of doing one now, just be sure to seal the finished product with a sealer, i'm going to use Thomsons for a wet look. nb. there are very different sealants for concrete and natural stone.