Replacing tarmac or concrete with block paving in Beckenham: the local picture
Across Beckenham, front gardens range from narrow terrace plots to broad modern drives, and the best block, pattern and drainage choice changes with them.
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 replacement block drive cost in Beckenham?
Most replacement block drive quotes in London fall within £115–£215 per m² including VAT. A 45 m² replacement drive would usually be about £5,150–£9,700, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Replace tarmac or concrete with block (incl. break-out) | £115–£215 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 you get with our replace an old drive service
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
- Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
Before we price your replacement block drive
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
Do you need permission in Beckenham?
Beckenham 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.
From enquiry to finished paving
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.
Why choose Block Paving Contractors
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.
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.
Repair before replace
If your drive can be fixed or re-laid, we will say so.
Replace an old drive in Beckenham: questions
Do you cover Catford, Croydon and South Croydon?
Yes. We cover Beckenham and the places around it, including Catford, Croydon and South Croydon, and the rest of Greater London.
Do I need planning permission for a replacement block drive in Beckenham?
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.
Is the survey in Beckenham 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.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Beckenham?
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.
Replace an old drive near Beckenham
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across Greater London:
- Replace an old drive in Catford
- Replace an old drive in Croydon
- Replace an old drive in South Croydon
- Replace an old drive in Eltham
- Replace an old drive in Streatham
- Replace an old drive in Greenwich
