Coal Mining Risk Assessment

Scope and evidence

Built around planning, development and compliance decisions.

Use this page to understand when the service is usually needed, what evidence is reviewed and what information helps us quote accurately.

Planning and regulator context
Clear deliverables and next steps
Linked services considered early

A Coal Mining Risk Assessment should move from regional mining records to the hazards that could actually affect the development footprint, then set out proportionate investigation or mitigation where the risk cannot be resolved at desk-study stage.

When this service is used

Used where a site is within or near a Coal Authority Development High Risk Area or where a local authority requests a coal mining assessment.

Planning and project supportCommonly required for development in coal-mining Development High Risk Areas or where the planning authority requests mining legacy evidence.

Risk and programme controlThe important question is not simply whether mining exists nearby, but whether mine entries, shallow workings, seams or other legacy features could affect the proposed development.

What the report normally includes

Coal mining hazard review
Coal Authority and historical data interpretation
Assessment of mine entries, shallow workings and subsidence risk
Risk rating and recommendations
Planning-ready report output

What we need from you

Providing the right information at the start helps us confirm the scope, quote accurately and avoid back-and-forth once the work is underway.

Site address and postcode
Planning reference
Site boundary plan
Coal Authority report if already obtained
Development description and layout

What the mining-risk evidence needs to establish

Ground investigation work supporting assessment of historic coal mining risk. — Ground investigation supporting the assessment of mining legacy and development risk.

What a robust scope should cover

Coal mining records, mine-entry information and relevant historical data
Potential shallow workings, seams and recorded or unrecorded mining features
Relationship between the proposed development and identified hazards
Ground stability and subsidence considerations
Need for intrusive investigation, drilling, treatment or design precautions
Clear recommendations suitable for the planning and design team

What the work should leave you with

A site-specific mining risk conclusion
Identified hazards mapped against the development proposal
A proportionate route to investigation or mitigation where required
Evidence that can support planning consultation and subsequent design decisions

Why the detail mattersA strong CMRA distinguishes between recorded mining information and a credible development hazard. That prevents generic mining data from becoming unnecessary investigation while still identifying risks that genuinely need treatment.See an EnviroSolution mining project →

Useful to know before you enquire

The red-line boundary and layout both matterA mine entry outside the site may still be relevant, while a recorded feature can have different implications depending on where buildings and infrastructure are proposed.

Desk assessment may not close every riskWhere shallow workings or uncertain mine features could affect the development, targeted drilling or other intrusive investigation may be recommended.

Treatment needs permission and designDrilling and grouting or other mining-remediation work is a separate stage and should be designed around the confirmed hazard.

Send any existing mining reportIf a Coal Authority report or previous investigation already exists, supplying it avoids duplicated data purchase and helps refine the scope.

FAQ

Common questions

Does being in a coalfield mean I need drilling?

Not automatically. The desk assessment first considers the available mining evidence and the development proposal. Intrusive work is recommended where a credible unresolved hazard remains.

What happens if shallow mine workings are identified?

The next step may include targeted investigation and, where confirmed, a treatment or foundation strategy. The route depends on depth, extent, development layout and the evidence available.

Can a CMRA support a planning application?

Yes. CMRAs are commonly prepared to support planning where coal-mining legacy is a material ground-stability consideration.

Related services

These services are often reviewed alongside Coal Mining Risk Assessment depending on the site, planning context and proposed development.

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