What should you know before starting in Alvechurch?
A new front driveway in Alvechurch usually needs no planning permission if it's permeable or drains onto your own land. A new or widened dropped kerb needs separate consent from Worcestershire County Council, as the highway authority.
- Planning permission is usually needed for a new access onto a classified road.
- Manhole covers can be raised, lowered or swapped for recessed trays to match the new level.
- Paving more than 5 m² of front garden needs planning permission unless the surface is permeable or drains to your own land.
- Postcode district
- B48
- Planning and building control
- Bromsgrove District Council
- From our West Bromwich base
- 12 miles
Options to consider in Alvechurch
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.
Guide prices for Alvechurch
Guide prices start at £2,200 and run to £12,000 depending on size and specification. Block paving driveway of about 45 m² for two cars, with dig-out, sub-base, edging and drainage: around £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. We confirm a fixed price for the agreed specification after visiting.
Driveways in Alvechurch: 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 Alvechurch?
Yes. Alvechurch (B48) is about 12 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.
Which driveway surface is best?
It depends on budget, looks and drainage. Block paving is hard-wearing and repairable; resin-bound is smooth, tidy and permeable on the right base; tarmac is good value for larger areas; gravel is the cheapest and drains naturally. A permeable option avoids the need for planning permission on a front garden. We'll show you samples at survey.
Does Bromsgrove District Council need to approve my driveway?
Only for a new or widened dropped kerb, which needs consent from Worcestershire County Council, or for a non-permeable surface over 5 m² that drains to the road, which needs planning permission from Bromsgrove District Council.
Close to Alvechurch
Other work we do in Alvechurch
- Rendering in Alvechurch
- Plastering in Alvechurch
- Fencing and gates in Alvechurch
- Knock-through walls in Alvechurch
- Porches in Alvechurch
- Double-storey extensions in Alvechurch
Levels, drainage and the kerb all get checked before we quote, so book a free driveway survey in Alvechurch.