Driveways in Malvern

What should you know before starting in Malvern?

A new front driveway in Malvern usually needs no planning permission if it's permeable or drains onto your own land. A new or widened dropped kerb needs separate consent from Worcestershire County Council, as the highway authority.

A driveway should finish well below the damp-proof course of the house.
Paving more than 5 m² of front garden needs planning permission unless the surface is permeable or drains to your own land.
Before you drive across the pavement, you need the highway authority's consent for a dropped kerb.

Postcode district: WR14
Planning and building control: Malvern Hills District Council
From our West Bromwich base: 31 miles

Options to consider in Malvern

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.

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.

Driveways prices in Malvern

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. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to build a driveway?

Most front driveways take three to seven days on site, depending on size, dig-out depth and the surface. Block paving takes longest because of cutting and jointing. Resin-bound needs time to cure and fresh tarmac needs to harden, so you may have to wait a day or two before driving on it.

Do you cover Malvern?

Yes. Malvern (WR14) is about 31 miles from our West Bromwich base and inside the area we cover. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

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.

Who approves driveways in Malvern?

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

Driveways near Malvern

Other home improvements in Malvern

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