Block paved front driveway, Gloucester

Why is herringbone used on driveways instead of stretcher bond?

Herringbone interlocks in two directions, so a braking or turning car cannot push the blocks out of line. Stretcher bond looks tidy on a path but creeps under vehicle load, which is why older driveways show rutted, wandering joints.

What stops the edges spreading over time?

A concrete-haunched edge restraint on every open side. Without it the outer courses slide outward, joints open and the whole field loosens. The edge course does more structural work than any other part of a block driveway.

• Excavated to formation, not laid over the old concrete
• Edge restraints bedded and haunched in concrete
• Kiln-dried sand vibrated into the joints in two passes

Do I need planning permission for a front driveway?

In England, a front driveway over five square metres must be permeable or drain to a soakaway within the property, otherwise planning permission is required. We build to that standard by default rather than leaving it for you to discover later.