Planning a replacement block drive in Belfast
Belfast 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.
Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland go through DfI Roads, so we build that timing into the plan for new drives.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Belfast?
In Northern Ireland, a replacement block drive usually costs £90–£170 per m² including VAT. For a 45 m² replacement drive, that is roughly £4,050–£7,700. Your exact price depends on what the survey or your photos show, and is fixed in writing before anything is booked.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Replace tarmac or concrete with block (incl. break-out) | £90–£170 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £9.50–£40 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £19–£50 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £330–£950 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £950–£2,850 |
Guide figures for Northern Ireland, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What does a replacement block drive involve?
Sometimes the old base can be kept: a thick, sound concrete or well-compacted hardcore layer may only need trimming and topping up. Often it cannot, because it was too thin, has sunk or sits too high against the house. The survey checks levels against the damp-proof course and the existing base before the quote is written, so the price reflects the real dig.
- Break-out of the old surface with waste removal and skip or grab lorry
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
- Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
What we check on a Belfast survey
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Where an electric vehicle charger cable might run
Do you need permission in Belfast?
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, so these rules apply:
In Northern Ireland, a hard surface between the front of the house and the road that covers or replaces more than 5 m² must be porous or permeable, or drain to a permeable area within the property, to be permitted development.
Hard surfaces within the grounds of a listed building need listed building consent. Planning is handled by your district council, so check with its planning office if you are unsure.
Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland are approved by DfI Roads (the Department for Infrastructure), not the council; check planning separately with the council.
General guidance, not legal advice. Your survey confirms what applies to your home. See the planning guide.
From enquiry to finished paving
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.
What you can expect from us
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.
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.
Water planned first
Falls, channels and soakaways are designed before the pattern is chosen.
Replace an old drive in Belfast: questions
How long does a replacement 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.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Belfast?
Our guide for Belfast is £90–£170 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is usually about £4,050–£7,700. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Do you cover Castlereagh, Newtownabbey and Lisburn?
Yes. We cover Belfast and the places around it, including Castlereagh, Newtownabbey and Lisburn, and the rest of County Antrim.
Do I need planning permission for a replacement block drive in Belfast?
In Northern Ireland, front paving over 5 m² must be porous or drain within your boundary to be permitted development. Ask us on the survey if you are unsure.
Replace an old drive near Belfast
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across County Antrim:
- Replace an old drive in Castlereagh
- Replace an old drive in Newtownabbey
- Replace an old drive in Lisburn
- Replace an old drive in Carrickfergus
- Replace an old drive in Ballyclare
- Replace an old drive in Antrim
