Half of UK homes in mining subsidence risk areas

Half of UK homes in mining subsidence risk areas

New research shows half of British homes are in former and current coal mining areas where the risk of subsidence is greater.

This year the cost of subsidence is expected to hit £340 million, with the dry summer exacerbating the risk.

Mining creates a risk of subsidence as disused shafts can cause fractures in the earth above, while dry weather affects homes by causing clay to shrink .

The Coal Authority and British Geological Survey have now launched the Ground Stablilty Report that shows homeowners around the country the level of subsidence risks from coal mining and natural ground instability.

Joe Dearden, head of customer services at The Coal Authority, said: "Over 50,000 insurance claims are made by homeowners every year, which can take anything from one to three years to settle.

"Many of these problems could have been averted if buyers were properly informed."

He went on to say that homebuyers need to ensure that their solicitor carry out authoritative property searches to avoid "the misery of subsidence damage".

Jan Boothroyd, deputy chief executive of the National Land Information Service, said: "Subsidence is a serious problem for homeowners and with increased development on brownfield sites, the problem is only set to increase.

"Homeowners could lose out on thousands of pounds, and suffer severe disruption if potential problems are not identified prior to the purchase."

© Adfero Ltd