Elevated 'Platform-Patio' Project

[st96001414]

Hi, I am after some advice with regards to a raised/elevated patio project we hope to start shortly. Have not long moved in and our garden is reasonably long but on a gradual slope with lowest point at back door. We want to replace existing elevated decking 4m wide by 5m long (flush with ground at furthest point, and elevated by 3.5-4ft at other end). Our thoughts are to replace the decking with a concrete 'base'/platform, build in some steps, render blockwork and tile the top platform.

To do this we were thinking
-Build retaining wall with breeze-block inc footings
-Fill the big void with hardcore then whacker leaving 1ft
-Fill reaming 1ft with screed ready for tiles/slabs
-Render blockwork
-Finally, after approx 2weeks lay tiles on screed floor

Is there any other considerations or better approach for this project? Would something of this nature require planning permission (we are not overlooked!)

Thanks for any input/advice!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Technically it would need planning permission, if you are not overlooked (and by that I mean your neighbours cannot see what you're up to) then one would have to ask oneself is it worth the hassle of applying .......

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/decking/

 

[r896neo]

A few things to add/ query.

Screed is not at all suitable for use at that thickness.

When you say tiles what do you mean exactly? as any concrete or screed you put down will have to dry out much longer than 2 weeks (more like 2 months) before you could tile unto it. Slabs layed on mortar would be a different matter.

You'd be surprised how much fill that will take! Even a small 3m x 3m patio with average depth of 2 ft could be in the region of 10 tons. If access is very good then that may be ok as delivered in 10t loads it not that expensive. Also no matter how well compacted that depth always has the potential to sink a bit

You may be better off building a block and beam style platform which will not require filling, will have no potential to sink/settle and will reduce the size of the proposed retaining walls as they don't need to hold back any weight.