Driveways, patios and walls for Dawlish's red-soil slopes
Patios, paving, driveways, drainage, walls and groundworks in Dawlish (EX7), from our base in Newton Abbot.
Dawlish is on the coast north-east of Newton Abbot, reached over the hill on the A380 and B-roads or along the coast through Teignmouth on the A379. The town follows the valley of Dawlish Water down to the sea, with older terraces in the centre and newer estates climbing the slopes on either side towards Dawlish Warren and the inland ridges.
Like Teignmouth, Dawlish is on red sandstone and soils. On sloping plots that ground needs holding back with sound retaining walls, and run-off needs somewhere to go, because red soil washes into drives and patios after heavy rain. Many of the newer homes have small front gardens that are being turned into parking, which brings its own drainage and permission questions.
Run-off on red soil
Heavy rain carries red silt downhill. Edging, a lip at the top of a drive and a channel drain at the bottom keep it off new paving and out of the drains.
Teignbridge and Devon County Council
Dawlish is in Teignbridge, which handles planning. Dropped kerbs and skips on the highway go through Devon County Council. Parts of the town centre are a conservation area, so check before altering front boundaries.
What we build in Dawlish
- DrivewaysFront gardens on the newer estates are often converted to parking with a permeable or drained surface.
- BricklayingGardens on the valley sides frequently need a retaining wall to make space for a level patio or lawn.
- DrainageRed soil and silt washed down after rain can block old drains, so we fit gullies and channels that are easy to clear.
- PatiosRaised patios with built-in planters make good use of a sloping plot.
Examples of K D’s work from around South Devon.
Building work in Dawlish: questions
Can I park on my front garden in Dawlish?
Often, yes, but you need a dropped kerb from Devon County Council, and a surface over five square metres should be permeable or drain within your property to avoid needing planning permission.
How do you stop red soil washing onto a new drive?
With firm edging, a raised lip or kerb where the garden meets the drive, and a channel drain to catch water and silt before it spreads.
Can you build a raised patio on a sloping Dawlish garden?
Yes. We build a retaining wall or block-built edge to the right height, fill and compact behind it, then lay the patio on top, often with planters and a step down.
Also near Dawlish
A quote in Dawlish
Send a couple of photos and a rough idea of what you want. We’ll come out, look at the ground and the levels, and give you a written quote.