Planning
Chesterfield Borough Council
The borough council handles planning in Chesterfield. Check any conditions on your property; a neighbour's drive isn't proof the same rules apply to yours.
Chesterfield planning service
Block paving and driveways in Chesterfield
Block paving, tarmac, resin and dropped kerbs in Chesterfield, Staveley, Clay Cross and the villages between. Free quotes from James.
The short answer
PaveForce Driveways installs block paving, tarmac and resin driveways, patios and dropped kerbs in Chesterfield and the surrounding towns. Dropped kerbs here are a Derbyshire County Council application, which asks you to choose a registered contractor. Call or WhatsApp James on 07719 512395 for a free, no-obligation quote.
5.0 on GoogleFrom 67 reviews
5/5 on Bark110 hires through Bark
Free written quoteNo obligation, no pushy follow-up
Council paperworkCustomers say James deals with it
Block paving, tarmac or resin?
No single surface is right for every entrance. Blocks give you a border and can be lifted one at a time. Tarmac is plain and practical over big areas. Resin gives an even aggregate finish, as long as the base under it is right. Use this to prepare your questions.
| Surface | Look and drainage | Care and repair |
|---|---|---|
| Block paving | A pattern and border can define the entrance. Ask whether the build is permeable. | Single blocks can be lifted for repairs or access. Joints need occasional care. |
| Resin | An even aggregate finish. Drainage depends on the whole build, not just the top. | Ask which resin system, whether the base is sound and how a damaged patch is repaired. |
| Tarmac | A plain finish that suits larger areas. It still needs planned falls and drainage. | Agree edging, thickness and how utilities or future patches will be handled. |
Ask for the material, the preparation beneath it and the edging. Levels, compaction and a planned route for rainwater decide how the finished drive works, whatever the surface.
Dropped kerbs in Derbyshire.
The council process for a Chesterfield vehicle crossing.
- 01
Check the road and pavement
Width, verge, lamp posts and road type all matter.
- 02
Apply to Derbyshire County Council
The application asks you to choose a registered contractor.
- 03
Wait for approval
No highway work is booked until the council agrees.
- 04
Kerb and drive built together
Customers say the kerb itself is often done in a day.
National rule
Front-garden drainage
The Planning Portal explains when the surface and drainage affect planning permission. Ask how your drive will shed water: through the base, to a lawn or border, or to the road.
Planning Portal guidanceWhy people call James.
Three things that come up again and again in his Google reviews.
Explained properly
Customers mention being told what will be done, with what, before work starts.
“The team thoroughly explained what would be done and came through on these promises.”James Houdrichon
Kept in the loop
Updates before and during the job.
“James was great at communicating both before and during the job and completed the driveway in the timeframe he had promised.”Katrin Eagle
Paperwork handled
For dropped kerbs, James deals with the council side.
“James dealt with the council regarding the drop kerb as well.”Julie Ward
Getting ready for the work
Before the start date, talk about access for materials and waste, where cars will go while the drive is out of use, and how everyone gets to the door safely. Mention children, pets or a shared path, and anything that must stay reachable, like meters and inspection covers.
At the end, check the look and the practical details together: where water runs, how the edges and covers are finished, and when you can drive on it.
Before you agree to anyone
- A current public liability insurance certificate
- Photos of finished jobs and a materials list
- Payment terms in writing, including VAT
- Who makes any council application, and whether the contractor meets the council's rules
For a dropped kerb, check the contractor against Derbyshire's rules yourself.
“I received information about every aspect of the driveway. James dealt with the council regarding the drop kerb as well. Nothing is too much trouble, so don't be afraid to ask questions.”
Real PaveForce work.
Photographs from James's own jobs. Tap to enlarge.
What homeowners say.
★★★★★
“He explained the process and options for the block paving. Started promptly and worked in a tidy and efficient manner. The workmanship and materials are of the highest quality and the finished results are stunning.”Zahid SaiyedGoogle review · July 2025
★★★★★
“There was not a skip outside my house for the duration. As soon as there was rubble to be removed, a lorry appeared with a grabber, and the rubbish was gone. James is very knowledgeable and gave me lots of good advice.”Gretna Green OfficeGoogle review · April 2024
★★★★★
“Came out quickly for a quote, gave excellent advice on the options available to us. Then were here early the following week.”Rhys FrancisGoogle review · January 2024
Towns around Chesterfield
Send your town or postcode and James will confirm he covers it.
Your questions, answered
Who do I apply to for a dropped kerb in Chesterfield?
Derbyshire County Council. Its vehicle crossing pages and application notes set out the steps, including choosing a registered contractor.
Is block paving or tarmac better for a Chesterfield drive?
Neither is better everywhere. Block paving gives you patterns and easy repairs; tarmac suits big, plain areas. The comparison table on this page sets out the questions to ask.
Does a permeable driveway need planning permission?
Usually not for a front garden, according to the Planning Portal. Hard surfaces over five square metres that drain onto the road usually do. Check your own property with Chesterfield Borough Council.
How long does a new driveway take?
It depends on size, groundwork and weather. Customers describe jobs taking between one and three days, and James will give you the expected days for yours.
Can I ask for a quote if I haven't picked a surface?
Yes. Choose “Not sure yet” in the quote tool and say how you use the space. James will talk you through the options.
Do I need to give my phone number to get a quote?
No. You read the message the tool writes and send it yourself by WhatsApp or email, or call James direct.