Planning a driveway extension in Dundonald
In and around Dundonald, village-style frontages sit alongside newer cul-de-sacs, so the right block often depends on the age of the house.
Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland go through DfI Roads, so we build that timing into the plan for new drives.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Dundonald?
For Dundonald, our guide is £85–£145 per m² including VAT, so a 15 m² extension is likely to be £1,450–£2,450. Smaller jobs cost more per square metre because set-up and waste costs do not shrink with the area.
| 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
- Joint sand, compaction and a clean-down of the old section
- Matching options: same range, re-mixing old and new, or a planned contrast
- Dig-out and sub-base for the new area
- New edging, kerbs or a low retaining edge where the lawn is cut back
What the survey covers
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
Rules for front drives in Dundonald
Dundonald 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
Send the basics
Postcode, what you need and a rough size. Photos help.
Survey
We measure, check levels, ground and drainage, and talk through blocks and patterns.
Written quote
An itemised quote with the specification, the price and the start date.
The work
Our paving team builds it to the agreed specification and leaves the site swept.
Why choose Block Paving Contractors
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.
The dig and sub-base in writing
Your quote states the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and how it is compacted.
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.
Drive extensions in Dundonald: questions
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.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Dundonald?
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.
Do you cover Holywood, Comber and Newtownards?
Yes. We cover Dundonald and the places around it, including Holywood, Comber and Newtownards, and the rest of County Down.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway extension in Dundonald?
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.
Drive extensions near Dundonald
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across County Down:
- Drive extensions in Holywood
- Drive extensions in Comber
- Drive extensions in Newtownards
- Drive extensions in Carryduff
- Drive extensions in Bangor, County Down
- Drive extensions in Donaghadee
