What should you know before starting in Acocks Green?
For driveways in Acocks Green, the rules that matter are drainage and access. Permeable paving or a soakaway avoids a planning application, and any change to the kerb goes through Birmingham City Council.
- Resin-bound surfacing is only permeable when it's laid on a permeable base.
- Manhole covers can be raised, lowered or swapped for recessed trays to match the new level.
- Planning permission is usually needed for a new access onto a classified road.
- Postcode district
- B27
- Planning and building control
- Birmingham City Council
- From our West Bromwich base
- 9 miles
Which option fits your home?
Resin-bound surfacing
Natural aggregate mixed with clear resin and trowelled smooth, giving a tidy, loose-free finish. Resin-bound is permeable only if it's laid on a permeable base such as porous asphalt; laid over solid concrete it isn't. It shouldn't be confused with resin-bonded, where stones are scattered onto a resin coat, which isn't permeable at all.
Gravel with ground grids
Gravel laid over plastic ground grids on a membrane and compacted sub-base. The grids stop the gravel moving into ruts, and the whole surface drains naturally, so it meets the front garden rules. Gravel is the most affordable surface, though it needs occasional raking and topping up, and it's less practical for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
How much should you budget in Acocks Green?
Expect to budget between £2,200 and £12,000 depending on size and specification in Acocks Green. Block paving driveway of about 45 m² for two cars, with dig-out, sub-base, edging and drainage: typically £5,000–£7,200.
| Option | Guide price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel or tarmac driveway | £2,200 – £4,800 | About 40 m², new sub-base and edging |
| Block paving driveway | £4,500 – £7,500 | About 40–50 m², with drainage or permeable build |
| Resin-bound driveway | £5,000 – £8,500 | About 40–50 m², on a permeable base |
Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. Access, parking and the state of what's there now can move the price — the survey settles it.
Driveways in Acocks Green: common questions
Will I be able to park while the work is going on?
Not on the driveway itself for most of the job, so you'll need to park on the street or nearby. We'll need space for a skip or grab lorry and material deliveries, and we'll agree that with you in advance. We keep a safe path to your front door throughout.
Do you cover Acocks Green?
Yes. Acocks Green (B27) is about 9 miles from our West Bromwich base and inside the area we cover. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.
How long does it take to build a driveway?
Most front driveways take three to seven days on site, depending on size, dig-out depth and the surface. Block paving takes longest because of cutting and jointing. Resin-bound needs time to cure and fresh tarmac needs to harden, so you may have to wait a day or two before driving on it.
Does Birmingham City Council need to approve my driveway?
Only for a new or widened dropped kerb, which needs consent from Birmingham City Council, or for a non-permeable surface over 5 m² that drains to the road, which needs planning permission from Birmingham City Council.
Nearby places we cover
Other work we do in Acocks Green
- Patios in Acocks Green
- Plastering in Acocks Green
- Painting and decorating in Acocks Green
- Composite doors in Acocks Green
- Loft conversions in Acocks Green
- Single-storey extensions in Acocks Green
Want to see block, resin and gravel samples side by side? Call 0800 088 6248 and we'll bring them to Acocks Green.