Block paving driveway in Ashfield, near Mansfield
Charcoal herringbone block paving with a double buff and charcoal border, a buff inlay and a drainage channel across the entrance, near Mansfield in Ashfield.
The project in short
This Ashfield drive pairs charcoal herringbone block paving with a double border and a channel drain laid across the entrance. The drain is the detail worth noticing: it sits where the drive meets the pavement and collects water running toward the road, which is exactly the point a quote for block paving near Mansfield should address. The fence, gates and buff inlay finish the frontage.
Does a block paving driveway need a drain?
Block paving looks after itself until water has nowhere to go. On a drive that slopes toward the pavement, a narrow channel drain across the entrance catches rain before it reaches the road and gives the surface a clean finished edge. It is a small line in a quote and an easy one to leave out, so it is worth asking directly: how does this drive shed water, and where does it end up?
The Planning Portal sets the national rule for front gardens: a hard surface over five square metres needs planning permission unless it is permeable or drains to a lawn or border. Read the Planning Portal's guidance on paving a front garden and ask your installer how your own drive will drain.
What does a double border add?
Two lines of buff block with a charcoal line between them run round the edge of the drive and step neatly around the corners at the house. The buff inlay sits in the field near the front door. The border is what stops a charcoal drive looking like a car park: it adds a second colour and a visible edge where the paving meets the fence and the tarmac.
Block paving in Ashfield: which council?
PaveForce lays block paving across Mansfield and the Ashfield towns, including Sutton-in-Ashfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Ashfield is its own district, so planning for front-garden drives goes to Ashfield District Council, not Mansfield, while dropped kerbs go to Nottinghamshire County Council in both. Our Mansfield driveway guide sets out what a written quote should include.
What this Ashfield drive shows
| Part of the drive | Why it matters | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage | Water needs a route that is not the pavement or your doorstep | A channel drain across the entrance |
| Border | Defines the edge and gives the outer blocks support | Two buff lines with a charcoal line between |
| Pattern | Interlock helps the surface hold under turning wheels | Herringbone in charcoal |
| Boundaries | The drive has to meet fences and gates cleanly | Closeboard fence and timber gates, edges run to the line |
More PaveForce block paving.
More of James's block paving jobs. Tap to enlarge.
More from PaveForce customers.
“Did an amazing job with block paving and a drop kerb. They cleaned up every day and removed all rubbish.”Lisa JarvisGoogle review · May 2025
“Amazing transformation from what was once a mess of uneven concrete everywhere, rock, grass. Now a beautiful paving block garden. The job was tidy from start to finish.”Ruhi KhanGoogle review · May 2025
“After a few hiccups with the weather everything went great, very polite and professional, very satisfied with the work they have done and cleaned up when they were finished.”Dianne KellyGoogle review · September 2025
FAQ
Questions about this job.
Straight answers on councils, planning and what to ask a quote to include.
Ask James your own questionDo I need a drain on a block paving driveway?
Not every drive does, but a drive that slopes toward the pavement needs somewhere for water to go. A channel drain, a permeable build or a fall toward a lawn or border are the usual answers. Ask your installer which one is planned for yours.
Do you cover Ashfield?
Yes. The Ashfield towns, including Sutton-in-Ashfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield, sit next to Mansfield on the Nottinghamshire side of PaveForce's patch. Send your town and James will confirm.
Does block paving need planning permission?
For a front garden, only if the surface is larger than five square metres and not permeable or draining to a lawn or border. The Planning Portal sets out the rule, and your local council has the final say.
More PaveForce jobs near Mansfield.
Other driveways James has photographed from start to finish.
Sources, checked 20 October 2026: Planning Portal: paving your front garden. Rules can change, so check your own address with the council.