Concerns Grow on Collapsed Kings Road Wall

The collapsing wall at West Court Hill on Kings Road is a concern for many residents and the pavement is currently closed off.

The wall started to lean and cracks appeared in May 2023.  In September 2023, the Herald contacted Savills who had an apartment for rent to notify the owner.  Local residents commented that the landowner was aware but at the time “bureaucracy” and “planning” prevented much progress.   The landowner, Mr John Burness applied for planning and obtained planning permission to rebuild the wall in May 2024.  In December when Storm Darragh hit, the wall started to collapse and the wall is now propped up and has a barrier round it closing off the pavement.

We contacted SODC who said it was not their responsibility.  They said, “We have highlighted the state of the wall to the owner and it is their responsibility to ensure adequate repairs and/or remedies. Any further queries should be directed to the owner.”

John Burness said, “We have a contractor ready to rebuild the wall but we have to go through a Section 20 process before we can get the work done. Plus the work cannot be carried out in the cold weather. The wall shifted recently in the storms which is why it has been propped up so that it doesn’t fall into the road. The work will be carried out as soon as we are able to do it.”