Interest in a property near mine shafts.

piperm87

Hi all,

Currently mulling over a 3 bed detached property that is near mine shafts,

The whole area is littered with mine shafts and houses on the estate do sell pretty quick due to the area.

We have no intentions of moving again should we go ahead with the purchase, the mineshaft to the left was filled in about 6 years ago, the mine shaft to the right is checked by the coal mining board regularly with no signs of subsidance and they also have insurance in place for if any of the shafts in the area fell through.

I've attached the image of the coal mining report to for all to see but was wondering what people's thoughts would be on buying the property.

caprikid1

Where is the property ?

piperm87

caprikid1 said:

Where is the property ?

On the drawing.

Its located in Dudley in the West Midlands.

davidmcn

How old is the house? I would be wary about a shaft being pretty much under the party wall, less of an issue if it's further aware from buildings.

It's correct to say the Coal Authority compensates if there is damage, but obviously that doesn't avoid the hassle if something happens, or the effect on marketability/value.

piperm87

davidmcn said:

How old is the house? I would be wary about a shaft being pretty much under the party wall, less of an issue if it's further aware from buildings.

It's correct to say the Coal Authority compensates if there is damage, but obviously that doesn't avoid the hassle if something happens, or the effect on marketability/value.

Hi David,
I believe the houses were build during the mid 50's, my concern is that it is a little close but there is no signs of subsidence anywhere in that area,  I was hoping to speak to the owner of the property next door to see if he knew exactly where the shaft is and how close it actually is to the boundry line. 

thearchitect

Generally speaking mine operators did not undermine the pithead area, for obvious reasons.  The concern is therefore actually failure of the shaft itself, whether an access or ventilation shaft, and soil slump around the head.  These can have diasterous consequences.  As DavidMcN has said the Coal Authority compensates for this, but there is very considerable hassle involved.

piperm87

thearchitect said:

Generally speaking mine operators did not undermine the pithead area, for obvious reasons.  The concern is therefore actually failure of the shaft itself, whether an access or ventilation shaft, and soil slump around the head.  These can have diasterous consequences.  As DavidMcN has said the Coal Authority compensates for this, but there is very considerable hassle involved.

well the mining was done before the houses were built,  it used to be open fields when the mining work was there. 
I'm hoping the mine is far enough on next doors side that it wouldn't pose a risk to our property,

the shaft in the property to the left was filled around 6 years ago and it wasn't that big really, probably a diameter of 2ft / 2.5ft max!

skyview

Hi, have you purchased the property? if so any issues while getting the mortgage?.
I am also in the same boat as you a month ago.

thearchitect

piperm87 said:

thearchitect said:

Generally speaking mine operators did not undermine the pithead area, for obvious reasons.  The concern is therefore actually failure of the shaft itself, whether an access or ventilation shaft, and soil slump around the head.  These can have diasterous consequences.  As DavidMcN has said the Coal Authority compensates for this, but there is very considerable hassle involved.

well the mining was done before the houses were built,  it used to be open fields when the mining work was there. 
I'm hoping the mine is far enough on next doors side that it wouldn't pose a risk to our property,

the shaft in the property to the left was filled around 6 years ago and it wasn't that big really, probably a diameter of 2ft / 2.5ft max!

I think you misunderstand:  the pithead area on a pit (as opposed to an addit) will normally contain various buildings including the winding gear, sorting shed, and offices.  It is rare for mine operators to undermine these buildings as it could have financial implications.   Therefroe the risk adjacent to a shaft (of whatever type) is failure of the shaft itself and, consequently, soil slump. 

codingtutor

Hi 

I'm in a similar position. The property is also near Dudley. 

I'll update you on what my mortgage provider says once the detailed report is put together. 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6287808/coal-mine-shafts-within-20m-of-property-hsbc-mortgage

user1977

codingtutor said:

I'm in a similar position. The property is also near Dudley. 

I'll update you on what my mortgage provider says once the detailed report is put together. 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6287808/coal-mine-shafts-within-20m-of-property-hsbc-mortgage

You're replying to a thread which is over a year old - I suspect the OP is no longer mulling it over!