Driveways in Kings Norton: approvals and local details
Two approvals can apply to a driveway in Kings Norton: 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.
- Fresh tarmac and resin need time to harden before cars drive on them.
- Planning permission is usually needed for a new access onto a classified road.
- Postcode district
- B38
- Planning and building control
- Birmingham City Council
- From our West Bromwich base
- 9 miles
Options to consider in Kings Norton
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.
Permeable block paving
Blocks with wider joints filled with grit, laid on an open-graded stone sub-base that stores rainwater and lets it soak into the ground. Permeable paving meets the front garden rules without planning permission. It costs a little more because of the deeper, specially graded sub-base, and it suits clay soils only with extra design.
Driveways prices in Kings Norton
For a home in Kings Norton, 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.
| 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.
Which postcodes in Kings Norton do you work in?
We cover B38 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Kings Norton, neighbouring Bournville and Northfield are covered too.
Which driveway surface is best?
It depends on budget, looks and drainage. Block paving is hard-wearing and repairable; resin-bound is smooth, tidy and permeable on the right base; tarmac is good value for larger areas; gravel is the cheapest and drains naturally. A permeable option avoids the need for planning permission on a front garden. We'll show you samples at survey.
Who approves driveways in Kings Norton?
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 Kings Norton
Other work we do in Kings Norton
- Fencing and gates in Kings Norton
- Plastering in Kings Norton
- Rendering in Kings Norton
- Composite doors in Kings Norton
- Flat roofing in Kings Norton
- Porches in Kings Norton
We'll give you a written, itemised driveway quote for your Kings Norton home, fixed for the agreed specification.