Driveways in Chelmsley Wood

Planning your driveway in Chelmsley Wood

For driveways in Chelmsley Wood, 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 Solihull Council.

Fresh tarmac and resin need time to harden before cars drive on them.
Before you drive across the pavement, you need the highway authority's consent for a dropped kerb.
Manhole covers can be raised, lowered or swapped for recessed trays to match the new level.

Postcode district: B37
Planning and building control: Solihull Council
From our West Bromwich base: 11 miles

Choices to weigh up in Chelmsley Wood

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.

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.

Driveways prices in Chelmsley Wood

For a home in Chelmsley Wood, our guide range is £2,200–£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: usually £5,000–£7,200.

Guide prices for driveways
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 Chelmsley Wood address.

Driveways in Chelmsley Wood: common questions

What should I sort out before the work starts?

If you need a dropped kerb, apply to the council early, because it can take weeks. Move cars, bins and pots off the area, and let neighbours know about the skip and noise. If you know where drains, cables, gas pipes or outside taps run, tell us at survey.

How do I book a survey in Chelmsley Wood?

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.

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.

Who approves driveways in Chelmsley Wood?

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.

Close to Chelmsley Wood

More services in Chelmsley Wood

Want to see block, resin and gravel samples side by side? Call 0800 088 6248 and we'll bring them to Chelmsley Wood.