Cambridge Driveways
A level, well-drained driveway that holds its shape through Cambridge clay movement and seasonal ground shift.
What Goes Wrong
The failure is almost always in the groundwork, not the blocks on top.
Laying new blocks over a degraded original base transfers the existing weakness straight to the new surface.
A base depth check determines whether full excavation is needed before any block is ordered or priced.
Without a drainage fall built into the laying course, water pools at the lowest point, usually the garage threshold.
Surface falls are graded during the sharp sand laying course stage so water drains to a channel or border.
Blocks without concrete edge restraints creep outward over time, opening joints and allowing the surface to rock.
Concrete edge restraints are set before block laying begins, locking the field in place against lateral spread.
An impermeable surface on a front drive over five square metres can trigger a planning permission requirement under surface water rules.
Permeable block paving meets SuDS requirements and avoids the drainage consent that applies to impermeable front drives.
Scope of Work
From excavation and sub-base through to block choice, jointing, and edging, the full installed scope, not just the surface.
Concrete blocks on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base with kiln-dried sand joints and edge restraints.
Clay pavers suit older Cambridge properties where a traditional finish is needed or Conservation Area rules apply.
Permeable blocks with open joints and a drainage layer meet surface water rules for front drives over five square metres.
Excavation, waste removal, and compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base form the foundation every block surface depends on.
Full dig-out and spoil removal priced as a separate line item.
Channel drains set at the threshold to intercept surface water.
Brushed in after laying to lock blocks and resist weed ingress.
Concrete edging set before block laying to prevent lateral spread.
Why Choose Us
Local ground knowledge, a clear quote structure, and accountability from survey to finished surface.
A local contractor visits to check the base depth and drainage before a price is agreed.
Excavation, sub-base, drainage, and surface are quoted as separate line items so nothing is hidden.
Local contractors understand how Cambridge clay movement affects base depth and block stability.
Planning checks for block colour and finish are included in the survey for front-facing Cambridge drives.
Surface water drainage requirements for Cambridgeshire front drives are checked at survey stage.
How It Works
01
Tell us the size, existing surface, and drainage so we can arrange the right local contractor for your site.
02
A contractor visits to check the base depth, drainage falls, and block options, then provides a written quote.
03
Excavation, sub-base, block laying, jointing, and edging are completed and the finished surface is handed over.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small block paving driveway | From £100 per m² |
| Standard block paving driveway | Around £100 per m² |
| Driveway extension in block paving | £100-£250 per m² |
Describe the size, existing surface, and drainage and we’ll arrange a local contractor to survey the sub-base and provide a full written quote before any work begins.