Driveways in Harborne

Before your driveway in Harborne

Two approvals can apply to a driveway in Harborne: 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. We design around both.

Manhole covers can be raised, lowered or swapped for recessed trays to match the new level.
A driveway should finish well below the damp-proof course of the house.
Fresh tarmac and resin need time to harden before cars drive on them.

Postcode district: B17
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 4 miles

Which options suit homes in Harborne?

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.

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.

How much should you budget in Harborne?

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.

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.

Questions about driveways in Harborne

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.

How do I book a survey in Harborne?

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 Birmingham City Council need to approve my driveway?

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

Close to Harborne

Other home improvements in Harborne

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