Planning a driveway extension in Solihull
Across Solihull, front gardens range from narrow terrace plots to broad modern drives, and the best block, pattern and drainage choice changes with them.
Inter-war semis with narrow front gardens are common in the West Midlands, so front garden conversions and drive widenings are often the practical choice.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Solihull?
Expect driveway extensions in Solihull 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?
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.
- 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
- Old edge restraint taken out and the new paving toothed into the old pattern
- Matching options: same range, re-mixing old and new, or a planned contrast
What we check on a Solihull survey
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- Trees and roots near the drive
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
Do you need permission in Solihull?
Solihull 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.
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.
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.
The dig and sub-base in writing
Your quote states the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and how it is compacted.
Water planned first
Falls, channels and soakaways are designed before the pattern is chosen.
Drive extensions in Solihull: questions
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.
Is the survey in Solihull 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.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Solihull?
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.
How much does a driveway extension cost in Solihull?
Our guide for Solihull 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.
Drive extensions near Solihull
Nearby towns we cover for drive extensions, and drive extensions across West Midlands:
- Drive extensions in Shirley
- Drive extensions in Acocks Green
- Drive extensions in Washwood Heath
- Drive extensions in Birmingham
- Drive extensions in Aston
- Drive extensions in Bartley Green
