Driveways in Burntwood: approvals and local details
A new front driveway in Burntwood 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 Staffordshire County Council, as the highway authority.
- Permeable surfaces in Burntwood help reduce surface water running onto the road.
- Before you drive across the pavement, you need the highway authority's consent for a dropped kerb.
- Fresh tarmac and resin need time to harden before cars drive on them.
- Postcode district
- WS7
- Planning and building control
- Lichfield District Council
- From our West Bromwich base
- 12 miles
Which option fits your home?
Block paving
Concrete blocks laid in a pattern on a sand bed over a compacted stone sub-base, held in by edging kerbs. Blocks come in many colours and sizes, and single blocks can be lifted and relaid if a drain needs work. Standard block paving needs drainage planning, because the sand joints alone don't usually let enough water through.
Tarmac
Hot-laid asphalt over a compacted sub-base, finished with a roller and edged with kerbs or setts. Tarmac is quick to lay and good value for larger areas. Standard tarmac is impermeable, so on a front garden it needs to drain to a soakaway or border, or use a porous asphalt mix.
How much should you budget in Burntwood?
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. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows a free survey at your Burntwood address.
Before you book in Burntwood
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.
How do I book a survey in Burntwood?
Send the form on this page, use the guide-price tool or call 0800 088 6248 free. We'll ask a few questions about your driveway and arrange a time to visit.
What guarantee comes with a new driveway?
The materials, such as blocks, resin and drainage channels, come with their manufacturers' guarantees, and the terms for your driveway are set out in your quote. How long a driveway stays level depends largely on the sub-base, so we name its depth and type in your specification. Keep your quote and paperwork with your house documents.
Who approves driveways in Burntwood?
Only for a new or widened dropped kerb, which needs consent from Staffordshire County Council, or for a non-permeable surface over 5 m² that drains to the road, which needs planning permission from Lichfield District Council.
Driveways near Burntwood
Other home improvements in Burntwood
- Plastering in Burntwood
- Fencing and gates in Burntwood
- Patios in Burntwood
- En-suite bathrooms in Burntwood
- Kitchen fitting in Burntwood
- Bathroom fitting in Burntwood
Email sales@skjhomeimprovements.co.uk with your address in Burntwood and roughly how many cars you need to park.