Planning a driveway extension in Carryduff
Around Carryduff, plots are often larger and drives longer, so edging, falls and the route the water takes need planning.
Wet winters in Northern Ireland make falls, edge restraints and full joints especially important.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Carryduff?
Most driveway extension quotes in Northern Ireland fall within £85–£145 per m² including VAT. A 15 m² extension would usually be about £1,450–£2,450, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Driveway extension in block paving | £85–£145 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £9.50–£40 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £19–£50 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £330–£950 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £950–£2,850 |
Guide figures for Northern Ireland, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What does a driveway extension involve?
A driveway extension adds paving to an existing drive, usually to fit a second car by taking in part of the front lawn, or to lengthen a drive towards the house or garage. The new section is built on its own sub-base and tied into the old paving so the two act as one surface.
- Old edge restraint taken out and the new paving toothed into the old pattern
- Matching options: same range, re-mixing old and new, or a planned contrast
- Check of the existing drive: block range, thickness, levels and condition
- New edging, kerbs or a low retaining edge where the lawn is cut back
- Dig-out and sub-base for the new area
What we check on a Carryduff survey
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Ground conditions under the old surface and how deep the sub-base must be
- Where an electric vehicle charger cable might run
- Trees and roots near the drive
Rules for front drives in Carryduff
Carryduff is in Northern Ireland, so these rules apply:
In Northern Ireland, a hard surface between the front of the house and the road that covers or replaces more than 5 m² must be porous or permeable, or drain to a permeable area within the property, to be permitted development.
Hard surfaces within the grounds of a listed building need listed building consent. Planning is handled by your district council, so check with its planning office if you are unsure.
Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland are approved by DfI Roads (the Department for Infrastructure), not the council; check planning separately with the council.
General guidance, not legal advice. Your survey confirms what applies to your home. See the planning guide.
How it works
Quick details
Your postcode and the job. It takes a minute.
On-site check
Measurements, levels against the damp-proof course, ground and drainage.
Itemised quote
Fixed once the specification is agreed, with no vague extras.
Laid and finished
Compacted, jointed and handed back clean.
How we work
Clean finish
The site is swept, the joints are filled and you are shown how to look after the paving.
Honest timescales
We tell you how long the job takes and what can delay it, such as approvals and weather.
One point of contact
You deal with one team from survey to sign-off, with work carried out by paving teams working under S&K.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
Drive extensions in Carryduff: questions
Can you match the blocks to my house in Carryduff?
We bring samples to the survey and suggest blocks and borders that suit the age and brick of the house. Final colour is your choice.
What happens to my old drive?
It is broken out and taken away by skip or grab lorry, listed as its own line on your quote.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway extension in Carryduff?
In Northern Ireland, front paving over 5 m² must be porous or drain within your boundary to be permitted development. Ask us on the survey if you are unsure.
How long does a driveway extension take to build?
Most homes take between three and seven working days, depending on size, the dig and the drainage. Your quote gives the expected duration.
Drive extensions near Carryduff
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across County Down:
- Drive extensions in Comber
- Drive extensions in Dundonald
- Drive extensions in Holywood
- Drive extensions in Newtownards
- Drive extensions in Bangor, County Down
- Drive extensions in Downpatrick
