Block paving driveway in Todwick
An old black block-paved drive that had sunk in places, replaced with new slate grey block paving and a charcoal border on a corner plot in Todwick.
The project in short
This Todwick job replaced an old black block-paved drive that had sunk in areas with new Tobermore Shannon block paving in slate, edged with a Plasti-Paved charcoal border. The finish is a smooth, tight-jointed grey with a double charcoal border that follows the curve of the corner plot, with a charcoal step at the front door. The three photos show it from the road, at the door and from above.
The finished drive, from three angles.
Photographs from the job. Tap to enlarge.
Why was the old drive replaced rather than patched?
The previous surface was black block paving that had sunk in areas. Sinking block paving is usually a sign that the layers underneath have moved, which is why single blocks lifted and relaid on the same base can sink again. James replaced the surface with new block paving. If you have a drive with dips, ask each quote what happens to the base under the blocks, not just which blocks go on top.
Slate grey Shannon with a charcoal border
Tobermore Shannon is a smooth, chamfered concrete block with tight joints, sold in a range of colours; slate is a mid grey. It is a different look from the tumbled, aged Tegula range, which has its own page: Tegula block paving. Here the grey field is framed by charcoal border lines in two rows, which gives the drive a clean outline against the road and the tarmac edge, and a darker step marks the front door.
Planning and the council in Todwick
Todwick is in the Rotherham borough, so planning questions go to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The Planning Portal sets the national rule for front gardens: a new or replacement driveway of any size needs no planning permission if it uses permeable surfacing or drains to a lawn or border, while an impermeable one over five square metres that does not drain that way does. Ask any quote how the water from your drive is dealt with.
Replacing an old block drive: what to ask, and what this job shows
| Question to ask | Why it matters | What this job shows |
|---|---|---|
| Why did the old drive sink? | Dips usually come from the layers under the blocks | Old black blocks, sunken in areas, replaced with new blocks |
| Which block exactly? | Make, range and colour should be written in the quote | Tobermore Shannon in slate |
| How is the edge finished? | The border frames the drive and edges the field | Charcoal border laid in two lines along the road side |
| Where does the water go? | Drainage decides whether the drive needs planning permission | Ask for the answer in writing before work starts |
More PaveForce block paving.
More of James's block paving jobs. Tap to enlarge.
What homeowners say about PaveForce block paving.
“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
“James and his team did an excellent job block paving our driveway. Quick and efficient, excellent work. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.”Andrea martinGoogle review · August 2025
“Would 100% recommend Paveforce for block paving driveways. Polite, reliable and professional, nothing was too much trouble and the work is of a very high standard.”Louise CrabtreeGoogle review · August 2024
FAQ
Questions about this job.
Straight answers on councils, planning and what to ask a quote to include.
Ask James your own questionDoes PaveForce work in Todwick?
PaveForce mainly works around Mansfield and Chesterfield. Todwick is outside that corridor, so send James your postcode and he will tell you whether he can take your job on.
Can an old sunken block driveway be replaced?
Yes. Block paving that has sunk can be taken up and replaced. Ask what is done to the base under the blocks, since that is usually where the movement starts.
What is the difference between Shannon and Tegula block paving?
Both are Tobermore concrete blocks. Shannon has a smooth surface with tight joints and a chamfered edge. Tegula is tumbled to give an aged, weathered look. Which suits you is a matter of taste and of the house.
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 · Tobermore Shannon slate block paving (Jewson listing). Rules can change, so check your own address with the council.