Retaining Walls & Level Changes in Chichester

Why Retaining Walls Are Common in Chichester

Chichester’s landscape creates natural level challenges due to:

• Chalk slopes around Lavant, Goodwood and Westhampnett.
• Coastal gradients near Bosham, Fishbourne and Apuldram.
• Clay-related movement in Tangmere and Oving.
• Uneven new-build developments in North & East Chichester.
• Garden terracing trends where outdoor rooms are created on multiple levels.

Without properly designed retaining walls, soil can move, patios can slip, and gardens may become difficult or unsafe to use.

Types of Retaining Walls We Build

1. Concrete Block Walls (Rendered or Clad)

The strongest option for significant level changes and taller structures. Typically built with:

• Reinforced concrete strip footing.
• Solid or hollow blockwork construction.
• Drainage membrane to protect the wall face.
• Weep holes to relieve water pressure.
• Free-draining gravel backfill to reduce loading.

2. Sleeper Retaining Walls

Excellent for modern and rustic gardens across Chichester where a softer, timber look fits the space.

We typically use:

• Treated softwood sleepers for cost-effective solutions.
• Oak sleepers where a more premium, long-term finish is required.
• Galvanised RSJs (H-beam systems) for higher or more heavily loaded walls.

3. Brick or Stone Walls

Ideal for period properties in central Chichester, Lavant and Bosham, where retaining walls are expected to match house or boundary materials.

4. Gabion Walls

Perfect for coastal or rural settings, using stone-filled cages to create a permeable, robust structure that blends into the landscape.

5. Reinforced Earth Banks

Used where a natural appearance is preferred or where there is enough space to soften level changes with planted slopes instead of upright walls.

Correct Construction Steps

1. Ground Investigation

Soil type determines foundation depth, drainage design and the most appropriate wall system:

• Chalk: stable but may require deeper excavation and stepped bases on slopes.
• Sand: benefits from membranes and stabilisation layers to prevent washout.
• Clay: requires effective drainage to manage shrink–swell movement.

2. Foundations

Strong foundations prevent rotation or forward movement in the long term. For masonry or blockwork, this usually means a reinforced concrete footing sized for wall height and loading.

3. Drainage Behind the Wall

The number one cause of retaining wall failure in Chichester is poor drainage. We design walls to relieve water pressure, not trap it.

• Perforated land drain (French drain) at the base behind the wall.
• Free-draining gravel backfill rather than solid soil.
• Weep holes or vent points through the wall where appropriate.
• Geotextile membrane to stop fines clogging the drainage layer.

4. Structural Reinforcement

Depending on wall type and height, we may use:

• Concrete fill within hollow blocks.
• Steel rebar to tie footings and wall cores together.
• Wall ties and reinforcement mesh for brick or stone facings.
• RSJ steel uprights set into concrete for sleeper systems.

5. Finishing & Aesthetic Options

• Rendered finishes in contemporary colours.
• Brick or stone cladding to match existing buildings.
• Timber capping or coping stones for neat, weather-resistant tops.
• Integrated planting pockets or raised beds.
• Step integration and handrails where level changes are used as access routes.
• Subtle lighting to make changes in level obvious at night.

Terracing Sloped Gardens

Terracing allows you to turn steep, unusable land into multiple flat garden levels. In Chichester we often combine retaining walls with:

• Upper dining terraces or patios.
• Lawn terraces for play or relaxation.
• Deep planting beds for screening and structure.
• Routes for paths and steps between each level.

Retaining walls and hard surfaces should be designed together so that patios, steps and walls form one coherent structure rather than separate elements.

Common Issues We Fix

• Walls bowing or leaning forward after heavy rain.
• Cracks appearing after winter due to movement or poor foundations.
• Soil pushing through joints or gaps in older walls.
• Water staining and pressure build-up with no relief points.
• Sinking or collapsing banks where level changes were under-engineered.

Local Considerations

• Bosham: High water table and coastal exposure – advanced drainage and durable materials required.
• Lavant: Chalk slopes – stepped foundations and reinforcement are essential.
• Tangmere: Clay-based plots – movement control, drainage and Type 3 base behind walls.
• Fishbourne: Coastal moisture – robust wall finishes and proper detailing at ground level.
• Oving: Mixed soils – site-specific assessment before final design.

Areas We Cover

Chichester · Fishbourne · Bosham · Lavant · Tangmere · Oving · Donnington · Hunston · Westhampnett · Goodwood · Apuldram · South Downs villages

Need a Retaining Wall in Chichester?

We design and build retaining walls that are structurally sound, properly drained and detailed to suit both your garden layout and local ground conditions.

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