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Repair of a collapsed Stone retaining wall in a conservation area

Client: Wiltshire and Swindon Council

Location: Malmesbury

Completed: 2023

Budget: £220,000

This stone retaining wall collapsed into the adjacent private housing development. The cause was thought to be a leaking drain in the footpath at the top of the wall.

A conservation standard rebuild

The challenge was rebuilding a matching stone wall in a conservation area, designing a ‘safe method of work’ that meets current design codes, whilst being practical, as economical as possible and not risking further collapse whilst working within a very tight site belonging to a private client.

Innovative solution to manage risks

Deep grouted ground anchors into the weathered mudstone, sprayed concrete backing, anchored blockwork structural wall with a heritage stone facing to match existing. Pathway and steps above then rebuilt. Managing high-risk, technically complex projects safely and efficiently, even in constrained or sensitive sites. Clients benefit from innovative engineering solutions, practical construction methods, minimal disruption to residents and confidence that the project is delivered on time, on budget to the highest standards.

  • Incredibly difficult access to the site.
  • Huge risk of short-term slope instability.
  • Potential for considerable damage to housing at the base of the slope.
  • Potential for damage to housing located
    on the slope.
  • Ground conditions unknown at the start of the job

David Kitching

Stress UK,
Managing Director

This was another project where we were commissioned to carry out some specific remedial structural repairs to brickwork but were then challenged to find a solution for replacement of load bearing stonework at high level. We produced a temporary works design which was checked by CTP Consulting, and we thank Cliveden Conservation Workshop for their excellent stonework. It was a pleasure to work with a forward-thinking team and client.