Planning a replacement block drive in Brixton
Across Brixton, front gardens range from narrow terrace plots to broad modern drives, and the best block, pattern and drainage choice changes with them.
Many London streets have controlled parking and narrow frontages, so we measure the car space and the crossover before anything else.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Brixton?
Expect replacement block drives in Brixton to come in at around £115–£215 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 45 m² replacement drive usually comes to between £5,150 and £9,700.
| 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 is included?
Replacing an old drive with block paving means breaking out the existing tarmac, concrete or gravel, checking what is underneath, and then building a block drive on a sound base. Many older tarmac and concrete drives have cracked, sunk or broken up, which is why this is such a common way into block paving.
- Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
- Break-out of the old surface with waste removal and skip or grab lorry
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
Before we price your replacement block drive
- Where an electric vehicle charger cable might run
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
Planning and kerb rules in Brixton
Brixton 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.
What happens next
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
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.
The dig and sub-base in writing
Your quote states the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and how it is compacted.
Honest timescales
We tell you how long the job takes and what can delay it, such as approvals and weather.
Replace an old drive in Brixton: 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.
Do you cover Peckham, Battersea and Streatham?
Yes. We cover Brixton and the places around it, including Peckham, Battersea and Streatham, and the rest of Greater London.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Brixton?
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.
Is the survey in Brixton 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.
Replace an old drive near Brixton
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across Greater London:
- Replace an old drive in Peckham
- Replace an old drive in Battersea
- Replace an old drive in Streatham
- Replace an old drive in Catford
- Replace an old drive in Fulham
- Replace an old drive in Greenwich
