Knaresborough has more to check than most places we cover: a large conservation area, a lot of listed buildings, the river and some very steep gardens. Here's how each affects a deck.
Houses and gardens
The centre of town falls in Knaresborough West ward. The 2021 Census counted 37.4% of homes there as detached, 27.8% semi-detached, 15.1% terraced and 11.2% purpose-built flats. 75.7% of households own their home, and 46.4% own it outright.
Around the Market Place are Jockey Lane, Berry's Court, Whincup Avenue and Whincup Grove, Park Crest, Finkle Street, Hilton Lane, Kirkgate, Castlegate, Silver Street, Station Road, Park Place and Beech Hill. The library, St John the Baptist Church, the castle grounds, Bebra Gardens and the station are all within a few minutes' walk, with High Bridge Gardens and World's End Gardens down by the river.
Houses near the centre are often old stone or brick, with small yards or terraced gardens that step down the slope. Further out, the newer estates have regular gardens with side access. Behind the houses on the cliff side, gardens can be very steep.
In the 2021 Census, 30.5% of households in Knaresborough West ward had two cars or vans and 18.4% had none. Parking in the old centre is tight, with narrow lanes and yards, so we plan deliveries carefully and may need to bring materials in with a smaller vehicle or by hand. Further out, drives make it easier.
Ground conditions
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows gravelly sandy clay of the Vale of York Formation over dolostone of the Cadeby Formation, a Permian magnesian limestone. The clay is firm enough for posts set in concrete, but it drains slowly. On steep slopes, we use longer posts and diagonal bracing to stop the frame moving, and gravel underneath to keep water away.
The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows one Flood Zone 3 area and fifteen Flood Zone 2 areas within 300 metres of the Market Place, along the River Nidd below the town. Homes up in the centre are well above the river, but gardens down near Waterside and Bond End should be checked. In a flood zone, we use an open frame that lets water through and anchors firmly.
Planning checks
Most of central Knaresborough is in the Knaresborough Conservation Area, designated on 13 March 1969, and the Scriven Conservation Area is also within about a kilometre. planning.data.gov.uk lists at least 100 listed buildings in that area, including many on the Market Place, the Harts Horns pub, the Old Royal Oak, the High Bridge over the River Nidd, the Toll Gate House and Bilton Hall.
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. In a conservation area, side decks need permission, and listed buildings have no permitted development allowance for decking, so listed building consent may be needed.
With steep gardens and so many listed buildings, more Knaresborough decks need an application than in the newer parts of Harrogate. We'll check your address at the visit and tell you what's needed. Our guide to hardwood vs composite explains how each material suits older buildings.
Design ideas
On a steep garden, a series of smaller decks linked by steps follows the ground and keeps each level low. Glass or stainless steel wire balustrades keep the view open, while painted timber suits a period house. Behind an old stone or brick house in the conservation area, an oiled hardwood deck tends to look right.
On a newer house with a flat garden, a low composite deck level with the back door, with a step to the lawn, is easy to look after. See raised and multi-level decks, hardwood decking, composite decking and balustrades and lighting.
What affects the price
We price after a visit. Size, height, the number of levels, board choice, balustrades, steps, lighting and access all matter. Steep slopes, flood-zone designs, planning drawings and carrying materials into the old centre by hand all add cost. Our decking cost guide explains each part.
Nearby areas
Scriven, Calcutt and Boroughbridge Road are covered too. See the areas page.
Frequently asked questions about decking in Knaresborough
Is my house in the Knaresborough Conservation Area?
Most of the centre is. We'll check your address and any listing before we design anything.
My garden is very steep. Is a deck possible?
Yes. A multi-level deck with steps between levels is usually the best answer, though it may need planning permission.
Could my garden flood?
Gardens near the River Nidd can be in flood zones. We'll check the Environment Agency map and design for it.
Do you work in the old town centre?
Yes. Access can be tight, so we plan deliveries and may carry materials in by hand.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, Knaresborough West ward (Nomis); planning.data.gov.uk: Knaresborough and Scriven conservation areas, listed buildings; BGS Geology Viewer 1:50,000; Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning; OpenStreetMap; Planning Portal: decking.