Belmont is one of the more straightforward parts of Durham for decking: family semis, regular gardens and few planning constraints. The main things to get right are the clay-rich ground, the levels and a layout that suits the garden.
The homes
The Census area (LSOA) around the centre of Belmont is overwhelmingly semi-detached. The 2021 Census counted 66% of homes as semi-detached, 24% terraced, 8% flats and 2% detached. 62% of households own their home, 19% rent from a social landlord and 19% rent privately.
Around the centre are Saint Mary's Road, Broomside Lane, Magdalene Avenue, The Links, High Street, Fellside Gardens, Newlands Road, The Larches, Bishops Close, Brackendale Road and Swinside Drive, with Belmont Road, Grange Road, Rosedale Road, Borrowdale Drive and Gorsedale Grove further out. Many of the estate roads take their names from northern dales.
Most semis have a front drive or parking space and a rear lawn with side access. Gardens are generally regular in shape, and while Belmont isn't as steep as the city centre, some plots fall or rise noticeably from the house.
In the 2021 Census, 28% of households in this LSOA had two or more cars or vans and 29% had none. Most deliveries can go on the drive or the street outside, and materials go through the side gate, which we measure at the visit.
Slope and soil
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows Devensian till, a mix of clay, sand and stones, over mudstone, siltstone and sandstone of the Pennine Middle Coal Measures. Below the topsoil, till gives posts a firm base. It drains slowly, so lawns stay soft after rain. We set posts in concrete in firm ground, add a weed membrane and gravel under the deck and keep air moving around the frame.
The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows no Flood Zone 2 or 3 within 300 metres of the centre of Belmont.
Planning
planning.data.gov.uk shows no conservation area within about a kilometre of the centre of Belmont. It lists five listed buildings in that area, all Grade II: the Church of St Mary Magdalene, its vicarage with yard wall and gateway, the Old School Community Centre and attached house, the road bridge over Broomside Cutting and Belmont War Memorial.
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.
On some estates, the original planning permission removed permitted development rights, so even a low deck needs an application. Durham County Council's planning records show this, and we'll check before we start. If you rent from a housing association, you'll need its permission. Our steep garden guide covers sloping plots.
Layouts that work
For a typical semi, a composite deck the width of the house, level with the back door, with a wide step to the lawn, is easy to live with. A built-in bench or planter along one side saves space, and grey or brown boards suit brick.
Where the garden slopes away, a slightly raised deck with a balustrade and a short flight of steps keeps the door level. A second, smaller deck at the end of a long garden gives a sunny spot later in the day. Semis sit side by side, so privacy matters. A raised deck can look straight into next door's garden, which can also cause disputes. Keeping the deck low, adding a slatted screen or planting along the shared boundary, or setting the deck slightly away from the fence all help. Screens over 2 metres high need planning permission, so we keep them below that.
See composite decking, timber decking and balustrades and steps.
Costs
We price after a visit. Size, height, board choice, steps, balustrades, lighting, removing old slabs and access all matter. Side access keeps delivery simple for most Belmont homes. Our decking costs guide explains each part.
Close by
- Gilesgate: about 1.5km west.
- Sherburn: about 2km south-east.
- Shincliffe: about 3km south-west.
Carrville and Gilesgate Moor are covered too. See the areas page.
FAQ about decking in Belmont
Do I need planning permission for a deck in Belmont?
Usually not for a low rear deck within the coverage limit, unless permitted development rights were removed on your estate.
My lawn stays wet. Will a deck help?
Yes. Gravel and a membrane under the deck keep that area dry and usable.
Can you replace an old patio with a deck?
Yes. We can lift the slabs or build over them if they're sound and level.
How long does a deck take to build?
A simple low deck usually takes a few days, depending on size and weather. We'll give a timescale with the quote.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, LSOA County Durham 028D (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.