What to know before a permeable block drive in Stratford
In Stratford, many front gardens have already been paved once, so new paving often starts with breaking out the old surface.
Front gardens in much of London are short, so parking depth and the dropped kerb usually decide whether a drive is possible.
How much does a permeable block drive cost in Stratford?
Most permeable block drive quotes in London fall within £125–£205 per m² including VAT. A 50 m² drive would usually be about £6,300–£10,200, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Permeable block paving driveway | £125–£205 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £12–£50 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £25–£60 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £420–£1,200 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £1,200–£3,600 |
Guide figures for London, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What is included?
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
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
Do you need permission in Stratford?
Stratford 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
Send the basics
Postcode, what you need and a rough size. Photos help.
Survey
We measure, check levels, ground and drainage, and talk through blocks and patterns.
Written quote
An itemised quote with the specification, the price and the start date.
The work
Our paving team builds it to the agreed specification and leaves the site swept.
What you can expect from us
Clean finish
The site is swept, the joints are filled and you are shown how to look after the paving.
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.
Repair before replace
If your drive can be fixed or re-laid, we will say so.
Permeable paving in Stratford: questions
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.
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.
Is the survey in Stratford 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 much does a permeable block drive cost in Stratford?
Our guide for Stratford is £125–£205 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is usually about £6,300–£10,200. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Permeable paving near Stratford
Nearby towns we cover for permeable paving, and permeable paving across Greater London:
- Permeable paving in Canning Town
- Permeable paving in Canary Wharf
- Permeable paving in Leytonstone
- Permeable paving in Ilford
- Permeable paving in Barking
- Permeable paving in Greenwich
