What to know before a driveway extension in Hove
Across Hove, front gardens range from narrow terrace plots to broad modern drives, and the best block, pattern and drainage choice changes with them.
Planning-sensitive towns and conservation areas are common in the South East, so we check the front-garden rules before quoting.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Hove?
In the South East, a driveway extension usually costs £95–£160 per m² including VAT. For a 15 m² extension, that is roughly £1,700–£2,800. Your exact price depends on what the survey or your photos show, and is fixed in writing before anything is booked.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Driveway extension in block paving | £95–£160 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £11–£45 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£55 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £380–£1,100 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £1,100–£3,250 |
Guide figures for the South East, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What is included?
The hard part is the join. Blocks from the same range can differ in shade from a batch made years ago, and older blocks have weathered, so the survey looks at whether a close match is possible, whether lifting and re-mixing some existing blocks will help, or whether a deliberate border or contrasting panel will look better than a near-miss.
- 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
- Dig-out and sub-base for the new area
- Matching options: same range, re-mixing old and new, or a planned contrast
What the survey covers
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Ground conditions under the old surface and how deep the sub-base must be
Rules for front drives in Hove
Hove 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
Tell us about the job
Use the form, the quote tool, WhatsApp or a call.
We take a look
A survey visit, or photos for smaller repair and cleaning jobs.
Price in writing
Every line itemised, including the dig, edging and drainage.
Booked and built
Agreed start date, then the work, the final clean-down and the joint top-up.
What you can expect from us
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.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
Drive extensions in Hove: questions
How much does a driveway extension cost in Hove?
Our guide for Hove is £95–£160 per m² including VAT, so a 15 m² extension is usually about £1,700–£2,800. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Is the survey in Hove 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.
Do you cover Brighton, Portslade and Rottingdean?
Yes. We cover Hove and the places around it, including Brighton, Portslade and Rottingdean, and the rest of East Sussex.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway extension in Hove?
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.
Drive extensions near Hove
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across East Sussex:
- Drive extensions in Brighton
- Drive extensions in Portslade
- Drive extensions in Rottingdean
- Drive extensions in Seaford
- Drive extensions in Hailsham
- Drive extensions in Eastbourne
