Planning a replacement block drive in Portsmouth
Across Portsmouth, front gardens range from narrow terrace plots to broad modern drives, and the best block, pattern and drainage choice changes with them.
Planning-sensitive towns and conservation areas are common in the South East, so we check the front-garden rules before quoting.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Portsmouth?
For Portsmouth, our guide is £105–£195 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is likely to be £4,600–£8,750. 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) | £105–£195 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £11–£45 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£55 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £380–£1,100 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £1,100–£3,250 |
Guide figures for the South East, 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
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
- Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
Before we price your replacement block drive
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Ground conditions under the old surface and how deep the sub-base must be
- Trees and roots near the drive
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
Rules for front drives in Portsmouth
Portsmouth 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
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
The dig and sub-base in writing
Your quote states the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and how it is compacted.
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.
Clean finish
The site is swept, the joints are filled and you are shown how to look after the paving.
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 Portsmouth: 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.
Is the survey in Portsmouth 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.
Do you cover Gosport, Fareham and Havant?
Yes. We cover Portsmouth and the places around it, including Gosport, Fareham and Havant, and the rest of Hampshire.
Do I need planning permission for a replacement block drive in Portsmouth?
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.
Replace an old drive near Portsmouth
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across Hampshire:
- Replace an old drive in Gosport
- Replace an old drive in Fareham
- Replace an old drive in Havant
- Replace an old drive in Waterlooville
- Replace an old drive in Hythe
- Replace an old drive in Southampton
