Copmanthorpe is a village of family houses with room to spare in the garden. Here's what to think about for a deck: the homes, the ground, planning and conservation, design and price.
Homes and plots
Copmanthorpe ward is dominated by detached houses. The 2021 Census counted 65.7% of homes as detached, 20.9% semi-detached, 11.6% terraced and only 1.5% flats. 86.9% of households own their home, 53.9% outright, and 48.7% have two or more cars or vans, the highest share of any area on this site.
Main Street, Church Street, Back Lane, School Lane and Low Green form the old village, with St Giles Way, Horseman Lane, Manor Heath, Barons Crescent, Lynwood Avenue and Orchard Garth among the newer roads. Copmanthorpe Primary School, the library, the WI hall, the Methodist church, the youth club and the sports and community centre are all close, and Pike Hills Golf Club is on the edge of the village. The village has its own parish council.
With so many detached houses, back gardens are often wide, with lawns, borders and side access. That allows for larger decks: a dining area off the kitchen, a lounge area with a step down, or a separate deck at the end of the garden to catch the evening sun.
The 2021 Census showed how car-heavy Copmanthorpe ward is: 37.1% of households had two cars or vans and 11.6% had three or more, while only 10.0% had none. That leaves little spare drive space on a busy close, so we plan deliveries around the household's own vehicles. Long boards and joists can come down the side path in one go if the gate is wide enough; if not, we measure the gate at the visit and order lengths that fit. Waste leaves in bulk bags, which saves arranging a skip on the road.
Soil and water
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows gravelly sandy clay of the Vale of York Formation over Triassic Sherwood Sandstone. It's a mixed ground: firm enough to hold posts well, but the clay content slows drainage. We set posts in concrete below the topsoil and lay a membrane and gravel under the deck so water soaks away.
The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows no Flood Zone 2 or 3 within 300 metres of the village centre. Town Ings Drain runs about 600 metres away.
Planning and conservation
The Copmanthorpe Conservation Area covers the old village centre; it's one of 34 conservation areas in York on planning.data.gov.uk. Listed buildings include the Church of St Giles, 4 and 6 Main Street, Ashfield Grange, Oak Lea and a milestone (all Grade II).
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.
For the detached houses on the newer roads, a low rear deck usually needs no application. If you're planning a large multi-level deck, it's worth assuming that part of it may need permission. Our conservation areas guide explains the checks.
Deck designs
A two-level deck suits a wide detached garden: an upper dining level by the bi-fold doors and a lower lounge level a step or two down, joined by wide steps with lights in the risers. Composite in a warm brown or grey needs little upkeep; hardwood looks natural against brick and planting.
A deck at the bottom of the garden, under a pergola, makes a second seating area for evening sun. See composite decking, raised decking and balustrades and lighting.
Price
We price after a visit. Size, number of levels, height, board choice, steps, lighting and any planning drawings all affect the figure. Side access on most detached houses keeps delivery simple. Our decking prices guide explains each part.
Neighbouring areas
- Bishopthorpe: about 3km east.
- Dringhouses: about 3km north-east, on the edge of the city.
- South Bank: about 5km north-east.
All our areas are listed on the areas page.
Common questions about decking in Copmanthorpe
Is my house in the conservation area?
Only the old village centre is. We'll check your address.
Will a two-level deck need planning permission?
If any part is more than 30cm above the ground, yes. We'll measure and advise.
Is the ground good for decking?
The gravelly clay holds posts well. We add a free-draining base under the deck.
Can you build a deck at the bottom of the garden?
Yes. Freestanding decks with a pergola make a good second seating area.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, Copmanthorpe ward (Nomis); planning.data.gov.uk: Copmanthorpe Conservation Area and listed buildings; BGS Geology Viewer 1:50,000; Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning; OpenStreetMap; Planning Portal: decking.