A village inside a town
The old village of Thornaby was centred on its church and a few houses around a long green. The church of St Peter ad Vincula is a small 12th-century building, restored in 1908 and listed Grade II*. As the industrial town grew by the river two miles to the north, the village stayed largely apart, which is why it still feels different from the streets around it.
Planning checks
- Conservation area boundary. Check the council's map for your address.
- Article 4. In parts of the borough's conservation areas, Directions cover front hard surfaces, gates, walls and fences, and their demolition. See the council's Article 4 Directions page.
- Listed buildings. The church is Grade II*; works affecting listed buildings or their setting get close scrutiny.
- Trees. Six weeks' notice is needed before most tree work in a conservation area.
Designing for the Green
- Keep the front boundary and make a single, modest opening.
- Choose gravel with a granite sett edge, or clay pavers in warm, mixed tones.
- Keep part of the front as garden.
- Avoid wide expanses of plain grey block or black tarmac.
The crossing
Planning permission and the dropped kerb are separate. The owner applies to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council for the crossing. See dropped kerbs.
Common questions
Is the green itself available for parking?
No. Parking on the green would need the landowner's permission and is unlikely to be allowed.
Does Article 4 apply to every house?
Coverage varies. Check the council's information for your address.
Can I use resin?
Possibly, in muted colours, but gravel or clay pavers usually sit more comfortably in a conservation area.
Who do I ask first?
The council's planning team, ideally through pre-application advice.