New Build developer needs to construct a gradient on my front garden

Section62

LongoBongo said:

I'd suggest the provision of the path would take precedent because there are many different ways to overcome the level difference and only one way to provide the path. The layout drawings that go through planning normally happens well before external levels are considered in such refined detail, it would then be up to the developer's engineer to come up with a solution that works within the context of the approved planning layout.

It doesn't work that way.

On larger developments the developer's design will exist as a digital model with virtually level already worked out before planning approval.  As part of the planning/building control approval processes, key level detail (internal and external) will be required to be shown on the drawings.  The processes will scrutinise this information to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the significance of the area involved.

The same digital model will be used to produce the setting out data.  This is what the staff working on site would use to convert the digital design into bricks and mortar.

Smaller developments (one or two houses) may be designed using more traditional 'pen and ink' methods, but the drawings will still be scrutinised by people involved in the planning/BC processes to ensure they are adequate.

There is more than one way the path could potentially be provided (but we don't have enough information to give details).  But the difficulty of providing the path doesn't elevate its position in any prioritisation ranking - other than the developer will take the cost of differing options into account.

LongoBongo said:

If the plans show a path then the OP should insist that their path is provided which would mean the level difference needs to be made up in the gap between the path and driveway and not between the driveway and the wall of their house.

The OP can't insist on anything which wasn't an enforceable contractual requirement.  I'd be surprised if the OP was promised a path in that way, and if they were then I'm further surprised they didn't take action at the point of purchase, rather than waiting for this issue with the level difference to come up before complaining about it.

Tiglet2

Aesthetically, the nicest solution in terms of safety and kerb appeal, would be to have a step(s) up onto a path (from the pavement) leading to the gate and for remainder of the path to the gate to be constructed at the same level as the driveway next door.

Can OP confirm what the approved planning consent said about this area?

Plasticman

I'm assuming that everything else is in accordance with the approved drawings (neighbours drive, your gate etc)? If it is, then how was access via the gate due to work in those drawings?

I'd start by making clear that you don't give consent for the work to take place and won't until you've had more details.

Ask for detailed drawings showing the levels and gradient including how access via the gate will be maintained along with a method statement for the work. Ask them for details of how drainage will be managed to avoid water run off against your side wall. 

See what they come back with.