How much does a drive drainage job cost in Cambridgeshire?
Most drive drainage job quotes in the East of England fall within £370–£1,050 including VAT, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Channel drain run across a drive | £370–£1,050 |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£55 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £370–£1,050 |
| Soakaway | £950–£2,100 |
| Highway authority dropped kerb application fee | £60–£530 |
Guide figures for the East of England, checked 9 November 2026.
Towns we cover in Cambridgeshire
We quote drainage in every town across Cambridgeshire, including:
What does a drive drainage job involve?
Drainage for block paving makes sure rain leaves the surface in a controlled way: falls in the paving direct it, channel drains collect it across openings, and a soakaway or approved connection takes it away. Standard block paving sheds most of its rain, so a drive without a plan for the water ends up with puddles, wet thresholds or water running onto the pavement.
Clay soils are common in parts of the East of England, so drainage and sub-base depth get extra attention.
- Connection to an existing surface water gully where permitted
- Levels survey and a falls plan
- Soakaway crates or rubble soakaways where ground allows
- Threshold drainage at doors and garages
- Linear channel drains with gratings rated for cars
What the survey covers
- Load ratings needed for covers and gratings
- Buried services near the crossing or channel
- Levels of the pavement, kerb and drive
- How the new work ties into the paving
- Ground conditions for any soakaway
Rules for front drives in Cambridgeshire
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.
Drainage in Cambridgeshire: questions
Who approves a drive drainage job in Cambridgeshire?
For a dropped kerb, your local highway authority (usually your council). For drainage and covers on private land, no approval is usually needed, but connections to public sewers need the water company's consent.
How much does a drive drainage job cost in Cambridgeshire?
Guide price: £370–£1,050 including VAT. The survey confirms the work needed.
Do you work in Peterborough, Cambridge and Wisbech?
Yes. We cover all of Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, Cambridge and Wisbech.
Can this be done at the same time as a new drive in Cambridgeshire?
Yes, and it usually should be, so the levels match and the paving is only disturbed once.
