Two kinds of street
The old village is laid out roughly as a square, reached by roads at its corners, with older houses and cottages facing onto the streets and a green. Around it are later homes built as the village grew. The rules for a drive depend on which of these you live in.
| Where | Typical homes | Main question |
|---|---|---|
| Historic core | Cottages and older houses, many with front walls | Conservation area and Article 4 |
| Later streets | 20th-century and newer semis and detached homes | Drainage and the dropped kerb |
In the conservation area
Conservation area status protects the character of the village, including front boundaries and gardens. Where an Article 4 Direction applies, you need planning permission for a front hard surface and for changes to gates, walls and fences. See our guide to drives in the conservation villages.
Approaches that tend to work:
- keep the boundary wall and make a single, modest opening;
- choose gravel with a sett edge, or clay pavers, in colours that suit the brick and stone around you;
- keep a planted area so the front still reads as a garden.
Outside the core
On the newer streets, a new or replacement drive normally falls under permitted development, as long as it is permeable or drains into the garden. Block paving and resin are both common choices. Wider frontages often allow parking for two cars side by side.
Dropped kerbs
Wolviston is in Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's area. The owner applies for a crossing, which the council either builds or a contractor with its Opening Up licence carries out. On narrow village lanes, visibility for drivers and pedestrians gets close attention. See dropped kerbs.
Common questions
Is all of Wolviston a conservation area?
No. The conservation area covers the historic core. Check the council's map for your address.
What postcode is Wolviston?
Wolviston is in the TS22 postcode district.
Can I take down my front wall?
In an Article 4 area, demolishing a front wall can need planning permission. Check first.
Is gravel allowed?
Gravel is often the preferred finish in the village core, though permission may still be needed where Article 4 applies.