Replacing tarmac or concrete with block paving in Hertford: the local picture
In Hertford, many front gardens have already been paved once, so new paving often starts with breaking out the old surface.
Clay soils are common in parts of the East of England, so drainage and sub-base depth get extra attention.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Hertford?
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 you get with our replace an old drive service
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
- Break-out of the old surface with waste removal and skip or grab lorry
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
Before we price your replacement block drive
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Trees and roots near the drive
- The kerb: is it already dropped, and is it wide enough?
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
Planning and kerb rules in Hertford
Hertford 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.
How we work
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
The dig and sub-base in writing
Your quote states the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and how it is compacted.
Repair before replace
If your drive can be fixed or re-laid, we will say so.
Water planned first
Falls, channels and soakaways are designed before the pattern is chosen.
Replace an old drive in Hertford: questions
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Hertford?
Our guide for Hertford 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.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Hertford?
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.
Do you cover Hoddesdon, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield?
Yes. We cover Hertford and the places around it, including Hoddesdon, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, and the rest of Hertfordshire.
Replace an old drive near Hertford
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 Welwyn Garden City
- Replace an old drive in Hatfield
- Replace an old drive in Cheshunt
- Replace an old drive in Potters Bar
- Replace an old drive in Stevenage
