New-build homes
Check the paperwork
Some estates have restrictive covenants in the title deeds that limit changes to front gardens, or require the developer's or a management company's consent. It's worth checking before planning a wider drive.
Is the road adopted?
On newer estates the road and footways may not yet be adopted by the council. If you need a dropped kerb or alterations at the road edge, the developer may still be responsible.
Builder-laid drives
Original drives are often single width with a thin base. When we widen or replace them, we build a proper sub-base across the whole area so new and old don't settle differently.
Village homes
Lanes and entrances
New or widened entrances onto roads can need planning permission, especially onto classified roads. Visibility is the main concern on rural lanes, along with keeping surface water and gravel off the road.
Conservation areas
Northallerton town centre and several villages, including Brompton and Osmotherley, have conservation areas. Removing walls or hedges and paving front gardens there may need permission.
Everywhere
Clay and drainage
The Vale's heavy clay drains slowly and moves with the seasons. A deep sub-base, a geotextile and a clear plan for rainwater are essential.
The front garden rule
Paving more than five square metres of front garden with an impermeable surface needs planning permission unless water drains to a lawn or border on your property. Gravel, resin-bound and permeable paving avoid the issue.