Westerham’s market town character — Georgian townhouses around the square, converted farmhouses, and substantial period properties on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — makes it exactly the kind of setting where traditional block paving continues to hold real appeal, alongside newer resin bound alternatives.
Block paving in Westerham typically costs £60–£110 per square metre installed, offering a traditional, textured finish available in a wide range of patterns, colours and block styles. It suits period and character properties particularly well, though it needs more ongoing maintenance than resin bound surfacing. Most residential paving services are completed within two to three days.
South East Resin & Paving installs both block paving and resin bound driveways across Westerham and the surrounding villages — see our guide to [INTERNAL LINK: “resin bound driveways in Westerham” → existing Westerham resin blog post] if you’re weighing up both options.
Why does block paving suit Westerham’s period properties?
Block paving has been the standard driveway upgrade for period UK properties for decades, and Westerham’s housing stock — Georgian townhouses, converted farmhouses, and substantial detached homes — is exactly the kind of setting it was designed to complement. The individual block units, laid in a pattern such as herringbone, basketweave or stretcher bond, give a textured, traditional finish that echoes the brick and stonework of older Kent properties in a way a completely smooth surface doesn’t always achieve.
Being within or close to the Kent Downs AONB also means many Westerham properties fall under planning guidance that favours traditional materials and finishes over obviously modern alternatives. Block paving, particularly in clay or natural stone-effect blocks, tends to sit more comfortably within these expectations than some more contemporary surfacing choices.
What does block paving cost in Westerham?
Pricing depends on the block type, pattern complexity, and ground preparation required. As a general guide:
- Small driveway (up to 30m²): around £1,800–£3,300
- Average driveway (40–50m²): around £2,400–£5,500
- Large or double driveway (60m²+): £3,600 upwards
[VERIFY: confirm current 2026 block paving pricing with the South East Resin quoting team before publishing, as these figures are estimates based on typical block paving rates.]
Clay pavers and natural stone setts sit at the higher end of the range and are popular choices for period Westerham properties, while concrete block paving offers a more budget-friendly option with a still-wide choice of resin bound paving colours and patterns. Complex patterns, curves, and detailed border work add both time and cost to installation.
What block paving patterns and colours suit a period Kent property?
Block paving’s biggest advantage over a seamless surface is the sheer range of patterns and layouts available, which matters particularly for period properties where the driveway is often a visible, front-facing feature:
- Herringbone pattern — the classic choice for period properties, offering strong structural interlock and a traditional look
- Basketweave pattern — a slightly softer, more understated look that suits smaller driveways and courtyard areas
- Natural stone setts or clay pavers — a premium option that closely echoes the traditional materials found on Westerham’s older buildings and boundary walls
- Contrasting border courses — a darker or lighter block used to frame the main driveway area, a detail commonly seen on period Kent properties
Muted, natural tones — buff, red-brown clay, and grey-stone blends — tend to suit Westerham’s period character best, particularly on properties close to the town centre or within the AONB.
How does block paving compare to resin bound for a Westerham driveway?
Both are installed regularly across Westerham, and the right choice depends on priorities. Block paving offers a lower installation cost (£60–£110/m² versus £70–£120/m² for resin bound) and a traditional, textured look that many period properties suit particularly well. It also allows individual sections to be lifted and relaid if access is needed for underground works, which resin bound doesn’t offer in the same way.
Resin bound, by contrast, needs far less ongoing maintenance — no jointing sand to top up, no weeds establishing in gaps, and a fully permeable, seamless surface. It’s generally the better choice for homeowners prioritising low maintenance and a more contemporary look, while block paving remains the stronger option for those wanting a traditional finish, a lower upfront cost, or the flexibility to lift sections in future.
Do I need planning permission for block paving in Westerham?
This depends on the drainage design. Standard block paving with sanded joints is not classed as permeable, and a non-permeable driveway over 5m² generally requires planning permission unless water is directed to a permeable area of the garden rather than the highway. Permeable block paving, laid with specific jointing that allows water through, avoids this requirement in the same way resin bound surfacing does.
Given Westerham’s position within the Kent Downs AONB and close to several conservation areas, it’s also worth checking with Sevenoaks District Council (which covers Westerham) if a property is listed or the driveway forms part of larger works, since additional guidance may apply beyond the standard permitted development rules.
How long does block paving last and what maintenance does it need?
A well-installed block paving driveway typically lasts 15–20 years, though this depends heavily on the quality of the sub-base and how well the surface is maintained. Jointing sand should be topped up periodically as it naturally washes and brushes out over time, and occasional weed treatment or re-sanding keeps the surface looking sharp. Individual blocks that crack or sink can usually be lifted and replaced without disturbing the rest of the driveway, though matching the colour of an older, weathered installation can be difficult if the original block range has been discontinued.
What does the block paving installation process involve?
Block paving installation is more labour-intensive than a seamless surface like resin bound, which is part of why it takes slightly longer on site. The process begins with excavating the existing surface to the correct depth, followed by laying and thoroughly compacting a sub-base capable of supporting vehicle loads without shifting over time. A bedding layer of sharp sand is then screeded level before the blocks themselves are laid by hand, one at a time, following the chosen pattern.
Once all blocks are laid and any cut pieces fitted around edges and features, the whole area is compacted again with a plate vibrator to lock the blocks together, and kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints to complete the interlock. For a typical Westerham driveway, this process takes two to three days depending on size and pattern complexity — slightly longer than resin bound, which is applied as a single continuous pour rather than unit by unit.
Can block paving handle a sloped Westerham driveway?
Westerham’s setting on the edge of the Kent Downs means a fair number of local properties have driveways with some degree of slope or level change. Block paving handles gradients well, since individual blocks can follow the contour of a sloped sub-base without the jointing issues that can affect some other surfacing types on an incline. Proper drainage design matters more on a sloped block paving driveway, since water naturally runs downhill across the surface — permeable jointing or a drainage channel at the base of the slope helps manage this and reduces the amount of surface water reaching the road or a neighbouring property.
Getting started with your Westerham driveway project
Whether block paving or resin bound is the right fit depends on the specific property, budget, and priorities around maintenance versus traditional appearance. South East Resin & Paving offers free consultations for homeowners across Westerham and the surrounding Kent Downs area, including a written quote comparing both options where helpful.
