Block paved driveway extensions in Christchurch: the local picture
In Christchurch, many front gardens have already been paved once, so new paving often starts with breaking out the old surface.
Sloping plots are common in the South West, which affects edging, steps and where the water runs.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Christchurch?
Most driveway extension quotes in the South West fall within £90–£150 per m² including VAT. A 15 m² extension would usually be about £1,550–£2,600, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Driveway extension in block paving | £90–£150 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £10–£40 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£50 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £350–£1,000 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £1,000–£3,000 |
Guide figures for the South West, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What you get with our drive extensions service
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.
- Dig-out and sub-base for the new area
- New edging, kerbs or a low retaining edge where the lawn is cut back
- Check of the existing drive: block range, thickness, levels and condition
- 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
Before we price your driveway extension
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Ground conditions under the old surface and how deep the sub-base must be
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
Rules for front drives in Christchurch
Christchurch is in England, so these rules apply:
In England, paving in front of the house that covers more than 5 m² needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway inside your boundary. Permeable block paving, or standard blocks laid to fall onto a planted strip, avoid the need for permission in most cases.
Flats and maisonettes, listed buildings, and homes covered by an Article 4 direction can have tighter rules, and conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes restrict some permitted development.
A dropped kerb needs your local highway authority's approval (usually the county, unitary, metropolitan or London borough council), and a new access onto an A, B or C classified road also needs planning permission.
General guidance, not legal advice. Your survey confirms what applies to your home. See the planning guide.
What happens next
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.
Why choose Block Paving Contractors
Repair before replace
If your drive can be fixed or re-laid, we will say so.
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.
Water planned first
Falls, channels and soakaways are designed before the pattern is chosen.
Drive extensions in Christchurch: questions
How much does a driveway extension cost in Christchurch?
Our guide for Christchurch is £90–£150 per m² including VAT, so a 15 m² extension is usually about £1,550–£2,600. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway extension in Christchurch?
In England, a front drive over 5 m² needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn or border within your boundary. Ask us on the survey if you are unsure.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Christchurch?
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.
Is the survey in Christchurch free?
Yes, for new paving here: the survey and written quote are free with no obligation. Repairs and cleaning are usually priced from photos, or from a short visit where needed.
Drive extensions near Christchurch
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across Dorset:
- Drive extensions in Bournemouth
- Drive extensions in Ferndown
- Drive extensions in Poole
- Drive extensions in New Milton
