Planning a driveway extension in South Shields
South Shields has a big mix of housing, from older terraces near the centre to newer estates further out, so no two drives here start from the same ground.
Former colliery ground and clay soils occur across the North East, so the survey checks for soft spots before the sub-base depth is set.
How much does a driveway extension cost in South Shields?
Expect driveway extensions in South Shields to come in at around £80–£135 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 15 m² extension usually comes to between £1,400 and £2,350.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Driveway extension in block paving | £80–£135 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £9–£35 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £18–£45 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £320–£900 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £900–£2,700 |
Guide figures for the North 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.
- 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
- 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
What the survey covers
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Where rain will go: falls, lawn, border, channel or soakaway
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
Do you need permission in South Shields?
South Shields 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.
From enquiry to finished paving
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
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
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.
Clean finish
The site is swept, the joints are filled and you are shown how to look after the paving.
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
Drive extensions in South Shields: questions
Is the survey in South Shields 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.
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.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway extension in South Shields?
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 South Shields
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across Tyne and Wear:
- Drive extensions in Tynemouth
- Drive extensions in Jarrow
- Drive extensions in Whitley Bay
- Drive extensions in Hebburn
- Drive extensions in Wallsend
- Drive extensions in Felling
