How much does a clay paver drive cost in Somerset?
For Somerset, our guide is £115–£170 per m² including VAT, so a 40 m² drive is likely to be £4,600–£6,800. Smaller jobs cost more per square metre because set-up and waste costs do not shrink with the area.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Clay paver driveway | £115–£170 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 South West, checked 9 November 2026.
Towns we cover in Somerset
We quote clay pavers in every town across Somerset, including:
What does a clay paver drive involve?
Clay pavers are laid on the same kind of compacted sub-base and sand bed as concrete blocks, but they vary slightly more in size and are harder to cut cleanly, so laying takes longer and the cost per square metre is higher. They are a natural match for Victorian, Edwardian and Arts and Crafts houses.
Sloping plots are common in the South West, which affects edging, steps and where the water runs.
- Clay pavers laid in herringbone, basketweave or stretcher bond
- Jointing sand brushed in and the surface compacted with a protective pad
- Advice on paver colour and size to suit the house
- Dig-out, edging and compacted sub-base
- Clean cuts with a wet saw where the pattern meets edges and covers
What the survey covers
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
Rules for front drives in Somerset
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
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.
Clay pavers in Somerset: questions
How long does a clay paver drive 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.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Somerset?
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.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a clay paver drive in Somerset?
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.
