Replacing tarmac or concrete with block paving in Canary Wharf: the local picture
Across Canary Wharf, 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 Canary Wharf?
For Canary Wharf, our guide is £115–£215 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is likely to be £5,150–£9,700. Smaller jobs cost more per square metre because set-up and waste costs do not shrink with the area.
| 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?
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
- 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
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
What we check on a Canary Wharf survey
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
Planning and kerb rules in Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf 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
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
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.
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
Replace an old drive in Canary Wharf: questions
Do I need planning permission for a replacement block drive in Canary Wharf?
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.
Do you cover Canning Town, Greenwich and Stratford?
Yes. We cover Canary Wharf and the places around it, including Canning Town, Greenwich and Stratford, and the rest of Greater London.
Is the survey in Canary Wharf 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 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.
Replace an old drive near Canary Wharf
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across Greater London:
- Replace an old drive in Canning Town
- Replace an old drive in Greenwich
- Replace an old drive in Stratford
- Replace an old drive in Peckham
- Replace an old drive in Islington
- Replace an old drive in Catford
