Appleton Wiske has fewer planning constraints than many Vale villages, and its long plots give room for a good-sized deck. The things to check are the river, the clay ground and access along the back of the houses. Here's the detail.
Houses in the village
The Census area (LSOA) that covers Appleton Wiske and the surrounding farmland is mostly detached. The 2021 Census counted 56% of homes as detached, 24% semi-detached, 19% terraced and 2% flats. 72% of households own their home and 21% rent privately. Only 3% of households have no car or van.
Front Street runs the length of the village, with Hunters Ride, The Paddock, Baker Street, Smithy Green, Prospect View, Tofts Lane, Hornby Road and West Lane off it. The school and village hall are near the centre, St Mary's Church about 230 metres away, and the Lord Nelson Inn further along Front Street.
Houses along Front Street often have long, narrow plots running back from the road. Newer homes on the side roads have more regular gardens with side access. Gardens are generally flat.
Most homes have drives or parking in front. We agree where the van and materials will go before delivery and look at the route to the back garden. On a long plot, that can mean wheeling materials a fair distance, so we plan it at the visit. Where a garden backs onto a field or a farm track, a gate at the far end can sometimes give easier access, with the landowner's agreement. Waste goes out in bulk bags rather than a skip on Front Street.
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Ground and drainage
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows Devensian till, a mix of clay, sand and stones, over sandstone of the Sherwood Sandstone Group. Below the topsoil, till gives posts a firm base. It drains slowly, so flat gardens can stay wet in winter. We set posts in concrete in firm ground, put a membrane and gravel under the deck and leave gaps at the edges so air can dry the frame.
The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows one Flood Zone 3 area and one Flood Zone 2 area within 300 metres of the centre, along the River Wiske by Wiske Bridge. Most of the village is outside these zones, but gardens that run down towards the river should be checked. In a flood zone, we use an open frame that lets water pass and anchor it firmly.
Planning rules
planning.data.gov.uk shows no conservation area within about a kilometre of the centre of Appleton Wiske. It lists five listed buildings in that area, all Grade II: the Church of St Mary, the Wesley Methodist Chapel, the Lord Nelson Inn, Garth House and Staindale House.
Under the Planning Portal's national rules, a deck is normally permitted development if it's no more than 30cm above the ground, covers no more than half the garden together with other extensions and outbuildings, and isn't in front of the house. Raised decks above 30cm need planning permission. Listed buildings have no permitted development allowance for decking.
For most homes, a low rear deck needs no application. If you rent, you'll need your landlord's permission first. Our guide to rural and village gardens covers long plots.
Deck ideas
On a long Front Street plot, a deck near the house for everyday use, and perhaps a second small deck at the far end facing the fields, makes the most of the length. Hardwood suits older brick houses; composite in a warm tone needs less care.
On a newer house, a composite deck level with the patio doors, with a wide step to the lawn and a built-in bench, is practical. Lights in the step risers help on dark winter evenings. See timber decking, composite decking and railings and lighting.
Pricing
We price after a visit. Size, height, board choice, steps, railings, lighting and access all matter. A long carry or a flood-zone design adds time. Our decking costs guide explains each part.
Villages nearby
- Great Smeaton: about 4.5km west.
- Brompton: about 8km south.
- Osmotherley: about 10km south-east.
Welbury, Hornby and Picton are covered too. See the villages page.
Questions people ask about decking in Appleton Wiske
Is Appleton Wiske in a conservation area?
planning.data.gov.uk shows no conservation area here, though there are several listed buildings.
Could my garden flood?
Gardens near the River Wiske can be in a flood zone. We'll check your address and design for it.
My garden is long and narrow. What works?
A deck by the house plus a smaller one at the far end often works best.
Can you build on clay?
Yes. Posts go into firm ground in concrete, with gravel underneath for drainage.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, LSOA Hambleton 003D (Nomis); planning.data.gov.uk: listed buildings and conservation areas; BGS Geology Viewer 1:50,000; Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning; OpenStreetMap; Planning Portal: decking.