Killinghall has fewer planning constraints than many villages around Harrogate, which makes decking fairly straightforward. The things to think about are the clay ground, levels and how well the deck suits the house.
Houses and gardens
Killinghall is in Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate ward. The 2021 Census counted 38.6% of homes as detached, 37.1% semi-detached, 15.8% terraced and 5.8% purpose-built flats. 71.1% of households own their home,, while 16.3% rent privately and 10.0% rent from a social landlord.
Near the centre of the village are Cautley Drive, Cautley Grove, Maltkiln Lane, Westfield Grange, Crag Lane, Thomas Drive, Manor Road and Manor Gardens, with Castle Road, Church Close and the newer roads around Nidd Croft and Spruisty Green further out. Killinghall Village Hall is on Otley Road, and the war memorial stands by Ripon Road.
The newer estates have regular back gardens with fences and side access. The older cottages along the main roads tend to have long, narrow plots with stone walls, and some sit below or above road level, so the back garden can be on a different level to the house.
Most households have cars. In the 2021 Census, 34.9% of households in the ward had two cars or vans and 10.0% had three or more. Ripon Road is the A61 and Otley Road is busy too, so we never unload on the main road. Deliveries go to your drive or a side road, and we agree a spot for materials before the van arrives.
Ground conditions
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows Harrogate Till, a gravelly sandy clay, over mudstone, siltstone and sandstone of the Millstone Grit Group. Under the topsoil, the till gives posts a firm base. Because clay holds water, we set posts in concrete in firm ground, lay a membrane and gravel underneath and keep a gap around the edge so air can dry the frame.
The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows no Flood Zone 2 or 3 within 300 metres of our reference point in the village. The River Nidd and Killinghall Bridge are further north, and homes close to the river should be checked separately.
Planning checks
planning.data.gov.uk shows no conservation area within about a kilometre of the centre of Killinghall. It does list eight listed buildings in that area, all Grade II: Low Hall with its forecourt wall, railings and gates, Holly Cottage, Low Hall Cottage and Pear Tree Cottage, Rose Cottage, Crag Hill Farmhouse, Kennel Hall Farmhouse, Killinghall Bridge and two old mileposts.
Under the Planning Portal's national rules, a deck is normally permitted development if it's no more than 30cm above the ground and, with other extensions and outbuildings, covers no more than half the garden. Raised decks above 30cm need planning permission. Listed buildings have no permitted development allowance for decking, so a deck at a listed cottage may need listed building consent.
On the newer estates, check whether the original planning permission removed permitted development rights; the council's records will show it. Our guide to hardwood vs composite can help you choose between the two.
Design ideas
For a family home on one of the estates, a composite deck level with the patio doors, with a broad step to the lawn and a built-in bench or planter, is practical and low-maintenance. Mid-grey or brown boards suit modern brick.
Behind an older stone cottage, a smaller hardwood deck close to the house, with a simple timber balustrade if there's a drop, sits better with old walls. Where the garden rises from the house, a deck at the top of the garden, reached by steps, can catch more sun. See hardwood decking, composite decking and raised and multi-level decks.
What affects the price
We price after a visit. Size, height, board choice, steps, balustrades, lighting and access are the main factors. Removing old slabs or a worn deck adds time, and narrow cottage access can mean carrying materials by hand. Our decking cost guide explains each part.
Nearby areas
- Bilton: about 3km south-east.
- Harlow Hill: about 4.5km south.
- Starbeck: about 5km south-east.
Hampsthwaite, Ripley and Saltergate are covered too. See the areas page.
Frequently asked questions about decking in Killinghall
Is Killinghall in a conservation area?
planning.data.gov.uk shows no conservation area here, though there are several listed buildings. We'll check your address.
Do I need planning permission for a raised deck?
Yes, if any part is more than 30cm above the ground. We'll measure it and tell you at the visit.
Can you build on clay soil?
Yes. Posts go into firm ground in concrete, with gravel underneath so water drains away.
How soon can you visit?
Get in touch through the enquiry form and we'll arrange a time that suits you.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate ward (Nomis); planning.data.gov.uk: listed buildings; BGS Geology Viewer 1:50,000; Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning; OpenStreetMap; Planning Portal: decking.