Driveways, Patios & Landscaping in Sevenoaks

Building in Sevenoaks: what to know

Homeowners here tend to ask for driveways and approaches that suit a larger house, natural-stone terraces, and walls and steps on sloping plots along the Greensand ridge. Finishes matter a great deal, so we spend time on layout, material samples and edge details before starting.

• Chalk Downs, Greensand ridge and Weald Clay

  The north of the district around Swanley, Shoreham and Otford is chalk. Sevenoaks town and villages such as Ide Hill and Toys Hill stand on the Lower Greensand ridge — sandy, generally free-draining, but often steeply sloping. South of the ridge, around Edenbridge, Penshurst and Chiddingstone, it's Weald Clay, which holds water and moves seasonally. Slopes on the ridge mean retaining walls and drainage are often part of the job; on the clay we build deeper and plan falls carefully.

• Green Belt and National Landscapes

  The large majority of Sevenoaks district is Green Belt, and much of it also falls within the Kent Downs or High Weald National Landscapes (formerly AONBs). Garden landscaping and driveways within permitted development are normally fine, but outbuildings, raised terraces and larger structures get closer scrutiny.

• Historic villages

  Chiddingstone, Penshurst, Westerham, Shoreham, Otford and Sevenoaks town centre all have conservation areas, and many houses are listed. Boundary walls, gate piers and paving are often visible from the street, so material choice — brick, sandstone, flint or tile — makes a real difference.

• Private roads and long approaches

  Many larger homes sit on private roads or long unmade drives. We can resurface long approaches, add passing places and edging, and deal with drainage along the length rather than just at the house.