Coal mining legacy
Where a property sits on the defined coalfield, past mining can affect ground stability. We flag whether your address is on or off the coalfield.
Large parts of England were never mined for coal, but where a property sits on the defined coalfield, historic underground workings, shafts and adits can affect ground stability and, occasionally, surface features. This is a localised issue: for the majority of homes it simply does not apply.
The Mining Remediation Authority (formerly the Coal Authority) defines the coalfield and, within it, a Development High Risk Area where past mining is most likely to matter for new building. A property is screened as either on or off this defined area.
How we report it
We check whether your address falls within the Mining Remediation Authority’s Coal Mining Reporting Area. If the property is off the defined coalfield, a Coal Mining Risk Assessment is not indicated and this theme can be set aside. If the property is on the coalfield, we flag it and note that it would be screened against the Development High Risk Area, where a formal assessment may be required for development.
What it means for you
For a purchase off the coalfield, there is nothing further to do here. On the coalfield, your conveyancer will normally obtain a Coal Mining Search, and if you plan to build or extend, the planning authority may require a Coal Mining Risk Assessment to confirm the ground is safe to develop. Knowing this up front lets you budget for the search and assessment rather than being surprised late in a transaction.
Know the risks before you commit
An instant, plain-English flood & environmental screen for any address in England — a fast, low-cost first look before you spend on surveys or searches.