Replacing tarmac or concrete with block paving in Bishop's Stortford: the local picture
Homes in Bishop's Stortford include plenty of semis and detached houses with room for a drive, plus older terraces where parking is tighter.
Flat ground across much of the East means falls have to be built in carefully so water does not sit on the drive.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Bishop's Stortford?
Most replacement block drive quotes in the East of England fall within £100–£190 per m² including VAT. A 45 m² replacement drive would usually be about £4,500–£8,500, with any extras listed separately on your quote.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Replace tarmac or concrete with block (incl. break-out) | £100–£190 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £11–£40 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £20–£55 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £370–£1,050 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £1,050–£3,150 |
Guide figures for the East of England, 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.
- 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
- Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
What the survey covers
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
Rules for front drives in Bishop's Stortford
Bishop's Stortford 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
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.
How we work
Honest timescales
We tell you how long the job takes and what can delay it, such as approvals and weather.
Repair before replace
If your drive can be fixed or re-laid, we will say so.
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 Bishop's Stortford: questions
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Bishop's Stortford?
Our guide for Bishop's Stortford is £100–£190 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is usually about £4,500–£8,500. Your fixed price follows the survey.
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 Bishop's Stortford 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 I need planning permission for a replacement block drive in Bishop's Stortford?
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 Bishop's Stortford
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across Hertfordshire:
- Replace an old drive in Hoddesdon
- Replace an old drive in Hertford
- Replace an old drive in Cheshunt
- Replace an old drive in Stevenage
- Replace an old drive in Welwyn Garden City
- Replace an old drive in Hatfield
