Guidance for residents on private retaining walls near the highway

What is covered?

This guidance explains your responsibilities if you own a private retaining wall close to the highway and when the Council may act to keep the highway safe.

When the law applies

Under Section 167 of the Highways Act the rules apply to any wall:

• within 4 yards (3.6m) of the highway
• within a level difference of more than 4ft 6in (1.35m)
• not part of a permanent building
• supporting material on one side only

This includes:

• retaining walls (supporting land above the highway)
• burr walls (supporting the highway above private land)

Walls outside these limits may still be assessed if they pose a risk to the highway.

Your responsibilities

• You must maintain your wall so it does not pose a hazard
• Minor repairs (for example, replacing bricks, repointing) can be done by a competent contractor
• Major works (for example, reconstruction or new wall) require technical approval from the Council

Technical approval

• Approval follows Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) guidance, document CG 300
• Submit an Approval in Principle (AIP) with drawings and calculations
• Use a qualified structural engineer
• Contact highway.structures2@bradford.gov.uk for advice

When the Council will act

• If a wall collapses or poses an immediate risk, the Council will:
  • clear debris
  • install temporary safety measures
• Costs for emergency works may be recovered from the landowner
• Permanent repairs remain the landowner's responsibility
• If you fail to act, the Council may issue a legal notice and carry out works at your expense

Permits for highway works

• Any work affecting the highway (including traffic management) needs a permit
• Contact NRASWA@bradford.gov.uk for details.