County Durham was built on coal. Pits and drift mines ran under towns and villages right across the county, from Consett and Stanley to Chester-le-Street, Seaham, Peterlee and Bishop Auckland. Much of the old workings are still down there.
For most homeowners this never matters. But if you're buying a house, extending one or building new, it's worth understanding what's under your feet. Here's what applies to you and what doesn't.
You may have heard of a Coal Mining Risk Assessment. It's a report some planning applications in "Development High Risk Areas" must include. Householder applications, such as an extension to your own home, are exempt from that requirement under government guidance.
The council can still ask for information it thinks it needs, and new houses, flats or commercial buildings in a high-risk area normally do need the full assessment. But for a typical extension, it isn't an automatic requirement.
The Mining Remediation Authority publishes an interactive map showing the coalfield, high-risk areas and recorded mine entries. It's free to look at, and it's the quickest way to see whether there's anything close to your address.
If something shows up, don't panic. It usually just means the foundations need a bit more thought. We'll bring in a structural engineer where it's needed and factor any investigation into the quote before you commit.
Cracks that appear suddenly, doors that start sticking, or a hollow opening up in the garden can be signs of ground movement. If you suspect it's caused by old coal mining, contact the Mining Remediation Authority. It runs a 24-hour line for hazards like collapses and handles subsidence damage claims under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act.
Don't fill a hole in yourself, and keep people and pets well away from it.
This is general guidance, not formal advice on your property. Rules change, so we check the current position at the free site visit and handle any applications as part of the job.
Usually not. Householder applications are exempt under government guidance, though the council can still ask for information. New dwellings and commercial buildings in high-risk areas normally do need one.
It's now called the Mining Remediation Authority. It still publishes the coalfield maps, handles subsidence claims and issues permits for work that disturbs coal or old workings.
Rarely. More often it just means the foundations need a structural engineer's input, and occasionally a ground investigation first.
The Mining Remediation Authority's interactive map shows recorded mine entries and high-risk areas. Your coal mining report from when you bought the house covers it too.
Whatever the brief, the route in is the same: ring us, we'll visit, we'll come back with a fixed price in plain English. Free site visits across Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle.
Or email enquiries@atkinsonsgroup.co.uk
No call-out charge for quotes. Fixed prices, in writing.
