Brompton combines a conservation village, a beck with wide flood zones and newer estates on the edges. Each part needs different checks before a deck is designed. Here's what we look at.
Houses in the village
The Census area (LSOA) that covers Brompton has a real mix of homes. The 2021 Census counted 31% of homes as terraced, 29% semi-detached, 28% detached and 12% flats. 66% of households own their home and 20% rent from a social landlord.
Near the centre are Brompton Lane, Station Road, Linen Way, Church View, Northallerton Road, Lead Lane, The Green, Cockpit Hill, Water End and Lodge Lane, with Danes Crest, Orchard Grove, Danelaw Road, Danelaw Gardens, Mill Hill Close, Vikings Court and Mill Hill Drive on the newer side.
Cottages around the greens are often terraced, with long, narrow back gardens. The newer estates have semis and detached houses with regular gardens and side access. Parts of Brompton are low-lying, close to the beck, and those gardens can stay wet for longer after heavy rain.
In the 2021 Census, 42% of households in this LSOA had two or more cars or vans and 15% had none. Around the greens, parking is on the road, so we keep deliveries short and avoid blocking lanes. Long boards may need carrying through a narrow passage behind terraced cottages, so we measure access at the visit.
Ground and drainage
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows gravelly sandy clay of the Vale of York Formation, with alluvium (clay, silt, sand and gravel) along the beck, over mudstone of the Mercia Mudstone Group. Clay and alluvium drain slowly and can be soft near the surface. We dig through to firm ground, set posts in concrete and keep the frame well clear of the soil, with gravel underneath so water can drain.
Flood risk is significant here. The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows three Flood Zone 3 areas and 134 Flood Zone 2 polygons within 300 metres of the centre, following Brompton Beck. If your garden is in a flood zone, we use an open frame that lets water pass through, avoid solid skirting and anchor the frame firmly so it can't lift. We'll also check whether the deck could affect flood flow, which can matter for planning.
Planning rules
The Brompton Conservation Area was designated on 20 October 1987 and covers the historic village. planning.data.gov.uk lists 13 listed buildings within about a kilometre, including the Church of St Thomas (Grade I), the Three Horseshoes Inn, Chapel House, Rose Cottage Farmhouse, 10 Lead Lane, 42 and 44 Cockpit Hill, 19 and 20 Church View, 6, 7 and 8 The Green, The Close and Little Close.
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. In a conservation area, decks at the side need permission, and listed buildings have no permitted development allowance for decking.
If you rent from a housing association, you'll need its permission before any work. Our guide to rural and village gardens covers long cottage plots.
Deck ideas
Behind a cottage on the green, a low hardwood deck near the house, oiled or left to silver, suits old brick and stone. A step down to the lawn and planters built from the same boards keep it simple.
In a flood zone, a slatted deck on an open frame, with a gravel base, lets water drain through quickly. On the newer estates, a composite deck level with the patio doors, with a wide step to the lawn, needs little upkeep. 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. Flood-zone designs, planning drawings and narrow cottage access add cost where needed. Our decking costs guide explains each part.
Villages nearby
- Romanby: about 3.5km south-west.
- Osmotherley: about 8km east.
- Appleton Wiske: about 8km north.
North Northallerton and Kirby Sigston are covered too. See the villages page.
Questions people ask about decking in Brompton
Is my garden in a flood zone?
Much of the land near Brompton Beck is. We'll check your address on the Environment Agency map and design the deck to suit.
Is Brompton in a conservation area?
The historic centre around the greens is. We'll check your address and any listing.
Can a deck be built on soft clay?
Yes. We dig down to firm ground and set posts in concrete, with gravel underneath.
Do I need permission for a deck behind a listed cottage?
Listed buildings have no permitted development allowance for decking, so consent may be needed. We'll advise at the visit.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, LSOA Hambleton 003A (Nomis); planning.data.gov.uk: Brompton Conservation Area and listed buildings; BGS Geology Viewer 1:50,000; Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning; OpenStreetMap; Planning Portal: decking.