New Driveway Cost in Birmingham: 2026 Price Guide

• Gravel: £1,100-£2,300
• Block paving: £2,800-£5,200
• Resin-bound or tarmac: £3,300-£6,600

The permission most people miss

Any new driveway over 5m² using a standard non-permeable surface needs planning permission from Birmingham City Council, unless water drains to a permeable area rather than onto the road. This applies across the whole city regardless of area, which is why permeable paving or gravel is the usual recommendation for smaller front gardens - it avoids the requirement in most cases rather than needing an application.

A drop kerb to legally cross the pavement is a separate licensed-contractor application to the council, distinct from planning permission - easy to overlook, but not optional even where the driveway itself doesn't need permission.

Bournville and covenant properties

Properties on the Bournville estate can carry additional restrictions on driveways and front garden changes through the Bournville Village Trust's original covenants, on top of the council's own rules - worth checking before committing to a design if your property is part of the estate.