Driveways in Castle Bromwich: approvals and local details
A new front driveway in Castle Bromwich 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 Solihull Council, as the highway authority.
- A driveway should finish well below the damp-proof course of the house.
- Paving more than 5 m² of front garden needs planning permission unless the surface is permeable or drains to your own land.
- Manhole covers can be raised, lowered or swapped for recessed trays to match the new level.
- Postcode district
- B36
- Planning and building control
- Solihull Council
- From our West Bromwich base
- 9 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.
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 Castle Bromwich
Expect to budget between £2,200 and £12,000 depending on size and specification in Castle Bromwich. 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. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.
Your questions answered
How much does a new driveway cost?
In the West Midlands, a typical 40–50 m² driveway usually costs around £2,200–£4,800 in gravel or tarmac, £4,500–£7,500 in block paving and £5,000–£8,500 in resin-bound, including dig-out, sub-base, edging and drainage. Larger areas, slopes, walls and extra drainage cost more. The council's dropped kerb charges are separate and vary by council.
Do you cover Castle Bromwich?
Yes. Castle Bromwich (B36) 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.
Will I need permission from the council in Castle Bromwich?
Only for a new or widened dropped kerb, which needs consent from Solihull Council, or for a non-permeable surface over 5 m² that drains to the road, which needs planning permission from Solihull Council.
Also covering nearby
Other work we do in Castle Bromwich
- Plastering in Castle Bromwich
- Rendering in Castle Bromwich
- Patios in Castle Bromwich
- House renovations in Castle Bromwich
- Composite doors in Castle Bromwich
- Garage conversions in Castle Bromwich
Want to see block, resin and gravel samples side by side? Call 0800 088 6248 and we'll bring them to Castle Bromwich.