Block Paving in St Neots

St Neots grew up on the banks of the Great Ouse, and parts of the town lie on low, flat ground where water is slow to drain after heavy rain. When we plan a block paving driveway here, how the surface sheds water is one of the first things we look at, not an afterthought once the blocks are chosen.

There are two broad routes. A traditional block paved drive sits on a compacted stone base with tight sand joints, and the surface is laid to falls so rain runs off into a gully, a channel or a planted area. Permeable block paving works differently: the blocks have wider joints filled with grit, and the layers beneath are built from open stone that holds water and lets it soak away slowly. On some St Neots plots permeable construction is the better choice, while on heavy, waterlogged clay we may recommend a traditional drive with proper drainage instead. We decide that from what we find when we dig a trial area.

Frontages here are varied. Older streets near the town centre have short frontages and some period properties, while the newer neighbourhoods on the east side, including Loves Farm, have more uniform drives built at the same time as the houses. Many of those newer drives are already block paved, and when they need attention the work is often about relaying and improving the base rather than starting from bare ground.

Whatever the frontage, firm edging is essential. We set kerbs or edge blocks in concrete so the surface cannot creep outwards, which matters even more on softer ground.

Huntingdonshire District Council deals with planning in St Neots. In general, a new or replacement front drive needs permission only if it is impermeable, over five square metres and drains to the road. If your home is near the river or in the town centre conservation area, ask the council before committing to a design.