Block paved driveway extensions in Smethwick: the local picture
Homes in Smethwick include plenty of semis and detached houses with room for a drive, plus older terraces where parking is tighter.
Clay ground is widespread in the West Midlands, so the sub-base depth and drainage are checked on every survey.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Smethwick?
Expect driveway extensions in Smethwick to come in at around £90–£150 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 15 m² extension usually comes to between £1,550 and £2,600.
| 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 West Midlands, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What is included?
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.
- Joint sand, compaction and a clean-down of the old section
- Check of the existing drive: block range, thickness, levels and condition
- Dig-out and sub-base for the new area
- Matching options: same range, re-mixing old and new, or a planned contrast
- New edging, kerbs or a low retaining edge where the lawn is cut back
Before we price your driveway extension
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Where an electric vehicle charger cable might run
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
Rules for front drives in Smethwick
Smethwick 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.
Why choose Block Paving Contractors
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
Water planned first
Falls, channels and soakaways are designed before the pattern is chosen.
Repair before replace
If your drive can be fixed or re-laid, we will say so.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
Drive extensions in Smethwick: questions
Is the survey in Smethwick 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.
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 you cover West Bromwich, Birmingham and Aston?
Yes. We cover Smethwick and the places around it, including West Bromwich, Birmingham and Aston, and the rest of the West Midlands.
Do I need planning permission for a driveway extension in Smethwick?
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 Smethwick
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across West Midlands:
- Drive extensions in West Bromwich
- Drive extensions in Birmingham
- Drive extensions in Aston
- Drive extensions in Bartley Green
- Drive extensions in Halesowen
- Drive extensions in Wednesbury
