Driveways in Great Bridge

Planning your driveway in Great Bridge

Two approvals can apply to a driveway in Great Bridge: 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 Sandwell Council. We design around both.

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.
Fresh tarmac and resin need time to harden before cars drive on them.

Postcode district: DY4
Planning and building control: Sandwell Council
From our West Bromwich base: 2 miles

Options to consider in Great Bridge

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.

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 Great Bridge?

For a home in Great Bridge, 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. We confirm a fixed price for the agreed specification after visiting.

Your questions answered

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.

How do I book a survey in Great Bridge?

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.

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.

Does Sandwell Council need to approve my driveway?

Only for a new or widened dropped kerb, which needs consent from Sandwell Council, or for a non-permeable surface over 5 m² that drains to the road, which needs planning permission from Sandwell Council.

Driveways near Great Bridge

Other home improvements in Great Bridge

Levels, drainage and the kerb all get checked before we quote, so book a free driveway survey in Great Bridge.