tmgroup [1] are testing conveyancers assumptions about mining risks in the UK by asking “What percentage of all mining-related ground stability risks does coal mining account for?” [2].
The results are still coming in. However, it is expected that the poll findings will support the long-standing assumption that coal mining is the prime ground stability risk that conveyancers need to be concerned about.
Beyond this, it is typically considered that properties across Wales and the North East are the most likely to be affected. Yet such assumptions are causing some conveyancers to ignore the mining alerts triggered when ordering searches against their client’s properties; assuming that they are safe.
Rather worryingly, examples of sinkholes opening up miles away from these traditional coal mining sites are beginning to suggest that this is far from the truth, as recently seen in Cheltenham [3], Liverpool [4], Sudbury [5] and London [6].
There are over 60 mining hazards impacting ground stability in our towns and cities
The latest TerraSearch products from Terrafirma are challenging this perception too. Drawing on Terrafirma’s specialist knowledge in the innovation and provision of mining-instability risk assessment, the TerraSearch product suite analyses coal mining risks alongside an additional 55 mining hazards to reveal a fuller picture of ground stability in our towns and cities.
The following TerraSearch® products are now available on tmconvey to order against residential properties :
- TerraSearch® Coal Extra is a regulated ‘Con29M-Compliant’ coal mining search offering an equivalent to the Coal Authority report, including a professional opinion of all coal mining risks and CON29M questions and additionally alerting to 55 further mining hazards.
- TerraSearch® Assess is a single search that comprehensively assesses the risk to a site (property and land) from all 60 mining hazards, including past, present and planned extraction.
Both TerraSearch® Coal Extra and TerraSearch® Assess include additional professional interpretations, as well as a TerraSearch® Coal & Brine Report Indemnity Policy up to £50,000 loss in market value of the property (in the event that a conclusion changes based on the addition of new data), and £10 million liability per report in the event of wrong or missing information.
TerraSearch® Coal Extra and TerraSearch® Assess are also supported by a TerraSearch® Alert, which is now available on tmconvey and can be switched on by your Account Manager.
Get in touch with your Account Manager for more information.
Don’t forget…
Find out if you are making dangerous assumptions about local mining risks
Take part in our quick poll [2] “What percentage of all mining-related ground stability risks does coal mining account for?” and find out if you too are making dangerous assumptions about local mining risks.