Walls

Description

 

Walls can be divided into two categories, either boundary walls or retaining walls.

A boundary wall is where the ground level at both sides of the wall is the same or very similar (up to 600mm or 2 feet in difference) and the wall is a demarcation at the boundary.

A retaining wall is where there is a difference in level from one side of the wall and the other side, and the wall is retaining the ground between the two levels. Anything greater than 1.0m is classified as a structure.

 

Eligibility

 

Adjacent land or property owners where there is a wall between the highway and adjoining land.

 

Procedure

 

After receiving a report regarding a wall from the adjoining landowner, the wall is inspected, and the defects recorded.

Various files and records will be searched to ascertain the ownership and responsibility for the maintenance of the wall. The Council's Estates department will also be consulted.

If the wall belongs to the Council then repairs will be considered, estimated and prioritised to decide if and when any repairs will be carried out.

The land or house owner will be informed of the findings.

If the wall is a hazard to the public then the Council could act to remove the danger and re-charge the owner, or take enforcement action.

 

Helplines

 

Highways Structures (Bridges) Section, telephone: 01226 772124.

 

Opening Times/Locations

Opening Times and Locations

How can the customer help

 

Please provide an accurate location, with a route number, street name, locality, and landmarks, or a house number.

Report the nature of the defect or enquiry, the retained height, and indicate whether your property is on either the low or high side of the wall.

Please give your contact details in order that we may clarify any points with you.

 

Application form references

 

Report Damage to Walls

 

 

Legislation

 

Highways Act 1980.

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 

The wall should be inspected as soon as possible to determine the hazard.

If public safety is affected, then action will be taken quickly.

Searching the records, and consulting the Estates department can, in some difficult circumstances take a few months.

Any proposed repairs will be subject to budget and other priorities and may be programmed for repair in subsequent financial years.

 

Out of Hours Procedure

 

Highways and Engineering General Enquiries (out of hours service), telephone: 01226 773555, open 24 hours.

For emergencies telephone South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020.

 

 

Additonal Notes

 

The maintenance budget for walls is not sufficient to deal with all the repairs. Minor repairs, or repairs for aesthetic reasons will not be possible.

For new walls to be constructed adjacent to the highway then approval under Section 167 of the Highways Act is required, from the Assistant Director, Highways and Engineering.

New walls on new developments will fall within either a Section 38 or Section 278 agreement, with the Council, and details will have to be approved.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Whose wall is it?

There is no complete record of ownership, each case will have to be decided on its merits, and it depends on why and who built the wall.

When will you be repairing the wall?

If the wall belongs to you, then you may carry out the repairs when you want. If the wall belongs to Barnsley Council then any repairs will be determined according to priorities and budget.

If you need to repair your wall adjacent to the highway, you may also require permission to place materials for the repair on the footway. Please contact us on 01226 773555 and we will help you arrange this.

Last modified on 30/9/2008