Driveways in Great Barr

Planning your driveway in Great Barr

Two approvals can apply to a driveway in Great Barr: planning permission, if more than 5 m² of front garden is covered with a non-permeable surface that drains to the road, and dropped-kerb consent from Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council or Walsall Council (depending on your street). We design around both.

A driveway should finish well below the damp-proof course of the house.
Manhole covers can be raised, lowered or swapped for recessed trays to match the new level.
Resin-bound surfacing is only permeable when it's laid on a permeable base.

Postcode district: B43
Planning and building control: Birmingham, Sandwell or Walsall
From our West Bromwich base: 3 miles

Which option fits your home?

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 Great Barr

Prices in Great Barr match the rest of our area: £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. Access, parking and the state of what's there now can move the price — the survey settles it.

Before you book in Great Barr

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 Great Barr?

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 Great Barr?

Only for a new or widened dropped kerb, which needs consent from Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council or Walsall Council (depending on your street), or for a non-permeable surface over 5 m² that drains to the road, which needs planning permission from Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council or Walsall Council (Great Barr straddles all three).

Driveways near Great Barr

Other home improvements in Great Barr

Email sales@skjhomeimprovements.co.uk with your address in Great Barr and roughly how many cars you need to park.