South West · England

Driveway extensions and widening in Dorset

Planning a driveway extension in Dorset? We survey, measure and quote across the area, and our guide prices reflect typical South West costs.

Guide price: £80–£130 per m²
Postcode areas: BH, DT, SP
Survey: Free, no obligation

Get my guide price 0800 088 6341

Computer-generated example Driveway extensions and widening: computer-generated example

Driveway extensions and widening across Dorset

A driveway extension adds new hard-standing to an existing drive, usually by taking in part of the front garden, so more cars can park off the road. The new area needs its own excavation and base, and the whole drive is often resurfaced in resin so old and new match.

If the extension means cars will cross the pavement in a new place, the dropped kerb has to be widened or a new one added, and that needs consent from the highway authority (your council, or DfI Roads in Northern Ireland). We price the drive and help with the application, but the kerb work itself is carried out by that authority or its approved contractor.

Projects we quote in and around Bournemouth include framing a golden blend with charcoal granite setts, building a fully permeable drive on a front garden and widening a drive into the front garden for a second car.

Prices in Dorset

Prices in the South West are above the UK average. These are guide ranges including VAT; your quote follows a free survey.

Driveway extensions and widening: £80–£130 per m².

Worked example: a 39 m² drive in Dorset with a dig-out and new permeable base would typically come to about £3,150–£5,000, including VAT.

Planning in Dorset

In England, a new or replaced hard surface of more than 5 m² in a front garden is permitted development only if it is porous, or if rainwater drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. A fully permeable resin bound build, with a porous base under it, meets that test.

Permitted development rights apply to houses, not flats or maisonettes, and some conservation areas have Article 4 directions that remove them. Listed buildings can need consent if railings or historic walls are affected.

If cars will cross the pavement in a new place, or the crossing needs widening, consent is needed from your council as local highway authority before any kerb work.

Weather and working days

The South West gets more rain than the east of England, especially on higher ground, so permeability and falls matter on every drive. Laying days in Bournemouth are confirmed close to the date, because rain and cold stop resin curing properly.

Towns in Dorset