Planning a replacement block drive in Newburn
Newburn is a sizeable town with a mix of semis, terraces and newer estates, and many drives here were first laid decades ago.
Former colliery ground and clay soils occur across the North East, so the survey checks for soft spots before the sub-base depth is set.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Newburn?
Expect replacement block drives in Newburn to come in at around £85–£160 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 45 m² replacement drive usually comes to between £3,850 and £7,300.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Replace tarmac or concrete with block (incl. break-out) | £85–£160 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £9–£35 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £18–£45 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £320–£900 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £900–£2,700 |
Guide figures for the North East, 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.
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
- 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
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
What we check on a Newburn survey
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Whether front-garden planning rules apply
- Steps, thresholds and door heights
Rules for front drives in Newburn
Newburn 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
Quick details
Your postcode and the job. It takes a minute.
On-site check
Measurements, levels against the damp-proof course, ground and drainage.
Itemised quote
Fixed once the specification is agreed, with no vague extras.
Laid and finished
Compacted, jointed and handed back clean.
How we work
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.
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
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.
Replace an old drive in Newburn: questions
Do I need planning permission for a replacement block drive in Newburn?
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.
What happens to my old drive?
It is broken out and taken away by skip or grab lorry, listed as its own line on your quote.
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.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Newburn?
Our guide for Newburn is £85–£160 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is usually about £3,850–£7,300. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Replace an old drive near Newburn
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across Tyne and Wear:
- Replace an old drive in Gosforth
- Replace an old drive in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Replace an old drive in Felling
- Replace an old drive in Wallsend
- Replace an old drive in Hebburn
- Replace an old drive in Jarrow
