England · Replace an old drive

Replacing tarmac or concrete with block paving in Somerset

Thinking about replacement block drives in Somerset? We survey, specify and build them for homeowners across Somerset and the surrounding BA, BS and TA postcodes, with the dig depth, sub-base, edging and drainage written into your quote.

  • 10 towns listed
  • £95–£180 per m² inc VAT
  • Free survey for new paving
Driveway half old cracked tarmac and half new brindle herringbone block paving

How much does a replacement block drive cost in Somerset?

Guide price in Somerset£95–£180 per m²Including VAT at 20%

Most replacement block drive quotes in the South West fall within £95–£180 per m² including VAT. A 45 m² replacement drive would usually be about £4,300–£8,100, with any extras listed separately on your quote.

ItemGuide price inc VAT
Replace tarmac or concrete with block (incl. break-out)£95–£180 per m²
Breaking out an old surface£10–£40 per m²
Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched£20–£50 per metre
Typical channel drain run£350–£1,000
Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction£1,000–£3,000

Guide figures for the South West, checked 9 November 2026.

Towns we cover in Somerset

Choose a town for local prices and details for replace an old drive:

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.

Sloping plots are common in the South West, which affects edging, steps and where the water runs.

  • Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
  • Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
  • Break-out of the old surface with waste removal and skip or grab lorry
  • New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
  • Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house

What the survey covers

  • Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
  • Steps, thresholds and door heights
  • Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
  • Trees and roots near the drive
  • Where an electric vehicle charger cable might run

Rules for front drives in Somerset

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

  1. Send the basics

    Postcode, what you need and a rough size. Photos help.

  2. Survey

    We measure, check levels, ground and drainage, and talk through blocks and patterns.

  3. Written quote

    An itemised quote with the specification, the price and the start date.

  4. The work

    Our paving team builds it to the agreed specification and leaves the site swept.

Replace an old drive in Somerset: 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 Somerset 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 much does a replacement block drive cost in Somerset?

Our guide for Somerset is £95–£180 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is usually about £4,300–£8,100. Your fixed price follows the survey.

Do you cover Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Taunton?

Yes. We cover all of Somerset, including Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Taunton.

Neighbouring areas

Next step

Get a guide price in two minutes

Answer four quick questions for an instant guide price, then book a free survey to fix it in writing. Repairs and cleaning can often be priced from photos.

Hands laying charcoal paving blocks in herringbone on a sand bed
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