Novascape build Retaining Walls

Retaining walls can form a really important part of your garden. Whether they are used to hold up a steep block, create usable flat areas, garden beds, stairways, or add a bit of interest to your yard, it’s important that you do it right. A good retaining wall will last longer than a lifetime. But it requires great workmanship, the right materials and the right construction technique.

There are lots of different ways to build retaining walls. Each method has a particular visual style as well as ability to do the job of holding up earth behind it. While you may have a specific style of wall in mind, it could be the case that a different method will be better suited to your application. Take a look at the different retaining wall styles above. Learn about each wall type’s advantages, disadvantages and relative costs.

Do I need engineered plans?

Engineered plans are drawings which show us how we must build a retaining wall in order for it to be stable and safe. Council determines whether or not you must arrange engineered drawings for your retaining wall.

If you do require engineered drawings, we can help you organise them. Just let us know if council has determined that you must provide them.

Obtaining council approval

There are certain conditions under which you will require council approval (in addition to engineered drawings) for your landscaping work. Acquiring council approval, in the form of a development application (DA), is not as difficult as you may have heard.

We suggest you begin by checking out the development steps provided by your local council:

Newcastle – http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Development/Building-Construction/Home-Renovations

Lake Macquarie – http://www.lakemac.com.au/development

Maitland – http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/PlanningDevel

We also recommend that you familiarise yourself with the relevant State Environmental Planning Policy, Subdivision 15 Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support. This is available here: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/epi+572+2008+cd+0+N. This policy governs when council approval for structural landscaping works is required. We constantly monitor these standards and we’ll let you know when you require council approval if we believe it is necessary.

The State Environmental Planning Policy also provides some exceptions from DA approval. In other words, if your retaining wall meets the requirements listed here then you do not require DA approval. Here’s the relevant link: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/EPI/2008/572/part2/div1/subdiv15.

Nominating a certifier

In cases where council approval is required, you will also need to arrange a certifier who will certify that we have completed the work according to the engineered drawings and development consent. You can nominate council as a certifier when submitting your DA. Alternatively, you can use a private certifier.

If you prefer that we apply for council approval on your behalf we will also take care of nominating the certifier. You don’t need to do a thing.

Measuring your wall

To get an idea which style of wall will best suit your application, we encourage you to measure up your new wall (don’t worry, we’ll take our own measurements when we come to take a look at your job). Important measurements are:

The height at the highest point
The height of the wall at the lowest point (often this is ground level)
The length of the wall

Preparing your site

There are a number of factors that can affect how much your retaining wall will cost. Site access for machinery, whether or not we need to remove old walls and the amount of excavation and earthmoving that needs to be completed all play a role. Taking a look at a job normally answers all these questions.

Download the Novascape Retaining Walls Brochure

Download Novascape’s Retaining Wall Guide

Novascape build Retaining Walls

Timber Post and Rail

Timber Crib

Segmental Block

Bushrock

Sandstone Rock

Sandstone Log

Concrete Core-Filled

Gabions