Policy For Building Over Or Within The Influencing Distance Of A Mine Entry
Published 10 January 2012
© Crown copyright 2012
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Building over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry (shaft or adit) can be dangerous and has the potential for significant risks to both the development and the occupiers if not undertaken appropriately.
The Coal Authority own the majority of the coal mine entries in Britain and has adopted the following policy position for landowners and/or developers when considering building over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry.
Building over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry raises significant safety and engineering risks and exposes all parties to potential financial liabilities and as a general precautionary principle, should wherever possible be avoided
Building over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry will only be permissible when:
- expertise advice allows a suitable engineering design to be developed and agreed to take account of all the relevant safety and environmental risk factors including gas and mine-water.
- the Coal Authority will not be responsible for financial or maintenance liabilities associated with the design and implementation of the works.
- appropriate engineering precautions are taken to safeguard the safety of the public and any structure during and following the completion of the works.
- approval for the works is obtained from the Coal Authority Permissions Service which will also monitor the implementation of the works to ensure public safety.
The position and recorded treatment details for the mine entry will be revealed in any future coal mining report produced for prospective purchasers of the property.
Consequently it is necessary for the landowner and/or developer to undertake any work precisely in accordance with the agreed scheme and provide detailed information to he Coal Authority for inclusion within its records for future reference and disclosure.
Where any damages result as a consequence of failing to comply with this policy the Coal Authority will seek to recover any costs incurred.