A conservation area by the sea
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has prepared a conservation area appraisal for Coatham. In a conservation area, the council aims to protect the character of streets, including boundary walls, railings, trees and front gardens. Before taking out a wall or paving a whole frontage, ask the council's Development Management team whether permission is needed and what materials it would expect. Our page on dropped kerbs covers the separate highway approval.
Is there room to park?
Many Coatham terraces have front gardens only a few metres deep. You generally need around 5 to 6 metres from the house or bay to the back of the footway so a car does not overhang the pavement. Measure first: the council will not approve a crossing for a space that is too short.
Surfaces that suit Coatham
- Clay pavers or tumbled blocks in warm reds, laid in herringbone, suit Victorian brick and handle sand in the joints.
- Resin-bound in a pale stone blend, with a UV-stable binder, suits painted and rendered houses.
- Keeping boundary piers and a short length of wall either side of the opening helps the street keep its look.
Living with sand and salt
On the streets nearest the beach, sand blows into gardens on windy days. Avoid deep corners and loose fine gravel, which mixes with blown sand. Choose stainless or aluminium edging rather than plain steel.
Keeping an older drive going
Blown sand and winter weather wear joints out faster near the sea. Where a Coatham drive is basically sound, re-sanding the joints, re-laying a sunken patch or freeing up a blocked channel drain can put it right without starting again. See driveway repairs.
Common questions
Is Coatham a conservation area?
Part of it is. The council has published an appraisal; check whether your address is inside the boundary.
Can I remove my front wall?
Talk to the council first if you are in the conservation area. Keeping piers often makes approval easier.
What surface copes best with blown sand?
Block or clay pavers with full joints, or resin with a smooth finish that can be brushed.
Do I need a dropped kerb?
Yes, if there is not one already. The owner applies to the council.