Block paving driveways in Nottingham: the local picture
Nottingham 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.
Clay and mudstone ground is common in the East Midlands, so we allow for a deeper sub-base where the survey shows soft ground.
How much does a block paved driveway cost in Nottingham?
Most block paved driveway quotes in the East Midlands fall within £85–£140 per m² including VAT. A 50 m² double drive would usually be about £4,250–£7,000, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Concrete block driveway, new sub-base | £85–£140 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 East Midlands, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What does a block paved driveway involve?
A block paved driveway is a surface of small concrete or clay blocks laid tightly on a bed of sharp sand, held in by a fixed edge and locked together with kiln-dried jointing sand. Laid on a properly dug and compacted sub-base, it carries cars for decades, and a single damaged block can be lifted and replaced without breaking the surface.
- Edge restraints or kerbs bedded and haunched in concrete
- Kiln-dried sand brushed in and the surface vibrated with a plate compactor
- Blocks laid in your chosen pattern, with a contrasting border if wanted
- Survey, measurements and a written, itemised quote
- Removal of the old surface and soil to the agreed depth, with waste taken away
What the survey covers
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Where rain will go: falls, lawn, border, channel or soakaway
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
Do you need permission in Nottingham?
Nottingham 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
Quick details
Your postcode and the job. It takes a minute.
On-site check
Measurements, levels against the damp-proof course, ground and drainage.
Itemised quote
Fixed once the specification is agreed, with no vague extras.
Laid and finished
Compacted, jointed and handed back clean.
How we work
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.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
Clean finish
The site is swept, the joints are filled and you are shown how to look after the paving.
Block paved driveways in Nottingham: questions
Is the survey in Nottingham 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 block paved driveway 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 block paved driveway in Nottingham?
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.
How much does a block paved driveway cost in Nottingham?
Our guide for Nottingham is £85–£140 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² double drive is usually about £4,250–£7,000. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Block paved driveways near Nottingham
Nearby towns we cover for block paved driveways, and block paved driveways across Nottinghamshire:
- Block paved driveways in West Bridgford
- Block paved driveways in Arnold
- Block paved driveways in Hucknall
- Block paved driveways in Kirkby-in-Ashfield
- Block paved driveways in Mansfield
- Block paved driveways in Sutton-in-Ashfield
