Using alternative materials

The council recognises that applying absolute standards for construction details and materials may not always be appropriate for streets in new housing layouts. Among other requirements, the aim in building new developments should be to create places and spaces that are attractive, of high quality, respect. 

 

Image
photo of block paving

Acceptability of alternative materials

To recognise and overcome the inflexibility that might result from using standard materials, the council may allow the use of some enhanced materials, landscaping treatment and features. The council has developed palettes of acceptable standard and enhanced surfacing materials.

Where developers propose surfacing materials that are not included within the Materials Palettes then they must be approved for use by the council using the same sustainability criteria. Please contact road.adoptions@leics.gov.uk to request a materials agreement form.

Materials should be: 

  • in accordance with relevant standards; 
  • cost effective to maintain and replace; 
  • readily available
  • durable; 
  • safe for purpose; 
  • sustainable; 
  • appropriate to the local character;
  • durable and suitable for the hierarchy of the road/ footway section and the anticipated traffic/pedestrian flows; 
  • providing a sustainable solution, including the ability to replace components to maximise the life of the asset; 
  • in accordance with the principles of Asset Management and apply “Whole life costing” in terms of replacement, serviceability and maintenance regimes; 
  • supported by a commuted sum to meet the additional costs in maintaining and replacing non-standard assets.

The use of recycled materials must be considered, where they meet the requirements of good asset management and the requirements of Manual Contract for Highway Works (MCHW),  Volume 1 – Specification for Highway Works (SHW) and the council's specification.

Any proposed materials should not place a burden on the council’s maintenance budget. Where LCC agrees in principle to the use of alternative materials and features, a commuted sum will normally be required to cover any additional maintenance costs.

The council encourages the use of the Highway Sector Council’s toolkit which helps designers and contractors align themselves with PAS 2080 (Carbon Management in Infrastructure).

Using alternative materials in conservation areas

A characteristic of many villages is the informal appearance of highway edge which consist of grass verges without kerbs. In these areas standard pre-cast concrete kerbs may not be appropriate and natural stone or riven or exposed aggregate kerbs might be used to prevent overriding.  It may be desirable to upgrade verges to include kerbs to improve pedestrian safety, drainage and to discourage parking.

 

Need further information?
Contact
Development Approvals