What to know before a permeable block drive in Paignton
In Paignton, many front gardens have already been paved once, so new paving often starts with breaking out the old surface.
Sloping plots are common in the South West, which affects edging, steps and where the water runs.
How much does a permeable block drive cost in Paignton?
Expect permeable block drives in Paignton to come in at around £105–£170 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 50 m² drive usually comes to between £5,250 and £8,500.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Permeable block paving driveway | £105–£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. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What you get with our permeable paving service
It is the straightforward way to pave a front garden without sending rain into the road, which matters because in England a non-permeable front surface over 5 m² that does not drain to a permeable area within the property needs planning permission, and in Wales any new front surface must be permeable or drain within the property. The build is different from a standard drive from the ground up, so it has to be designed as permeable rather than just using different blocks.
- Edge restraints and any overflow or outlet the design needs
- Geotextile layer where the design needs one
- Open-graded crushed stone (no fines) laid and compacted in layers
- Deeper dig-out for the open-graded sub-base
- Grit laying course and permeable blocks with grit-filled joints
Before we price your permeable block drive
- Ground conditions under the old surface and how deep the sub-base must be
- Where an electric vehicle charger cable might run
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
Do you need permission in Paignton?
Paignton 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.
How it works
Tell us about the job
Use the form, the quote tool, WhatsApp or a call.
We take a look
A survey visit, or photos for smaller repair and cleaning jobs.
Price in writing
Every line itemised, including the dig, edging and drainage.
Booked and built
Agreed start date, then the work, the final clean-down and the joint top-up.
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.
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
Honest timescales
We tell you how long the job takes and what can delay it, such as approvals and weather.
One point of contact
You deal with one team from survey to sign-off, with work carried out by paving teams working under S&K.
Permeable paving in Paignton: questions
Do I need planning permission for a permeable block drive in Paignton?
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 permeable block drive cost in Paignton?
Our guide for Paignton is £105–£170 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is usually about £5,250–£8,500. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Do you cover Torquay, Newton Abbot and Exmouth?
Yes. We cover Paignton and the places around it, including Torquay, Newton Abbot and Exmouth, and the rest of Devon.
How long does a permeable block 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.
Permeable paving near Paignton
Nearby towns we cover for permeable paving, and permeable paving across Devon:
- Permeable paving in Torquay
- Permeable paving in Newton Abbot
- Permeable paving in Exmouth
- Permeable paving in Exeter
