Guarding on Retaining Wall

[SB2023]

Hi all

I cant see a similar question on the forum on this... I know no-one can give Building Regs advice but wondering if this is a daft idea or someone has something ingenious...

 

On our new build, we have a retaining wall at the front and then a drop to the house like in the top picture and it shows where a railing would need to be. This then is quite an eyesore from the road with railings blocking out the view of the house.

I am considering (see the second diagram) building another wall in front of the existing one that would just retaining a small flower bed and put the railings on that as in picture two. This would lower the railing height noticeably.

 

Anyone got any thoughts on this at all? Or know if it should be building regs ok? The aim is to really get the railing down as low as possible and still be safe!

[PNAmble]

Your building inspector may take a view that it doesn’t need guarding.   It’s from road to house not house to road.  
 

we’ve got a sign off conversation with our BCO re a wall which isn’t part of the ‘garden’ or ‘driveway’ and his view (although he’s taking advice) is that it’s not within the scope of ‘guarding area’ 

Edited August 1 by PNAmble

[Conor]

Only needs guarding if it's adjacent an access route. Check with BCO. Was the wall and drop notes on the submitted drawings? If they were, and approved, then should not be needed. But only one person knows!

[ETC]

Probably not needed. Drop within 3.0m of a dwelling only.

Edited August 1 by ETC

[SB2023]

Thanks all, interesting points!

Looks like a conversation with building control before I do anything as it could potentially save a bunch of work ! Or not...

Appreciated!