Camberwell Drive update: August 2023

Questions and answers from the Camberwell Drive Public Meeting on July 13 2023

Thank you for your questions which we collected during the public meeting, and from questions submitted prior to and following the meeting.

For ease, we have grouped the questions into categories. Where similar questions have been asked, we have grouped these and provided one response.

Shaft Collapse

Question(s)	Answer
Why did it happen? Will a shaft collapse happen again?	The Coal Authority exists to manage the legacy from Britain’s coal mining past. Around 25% of homes and businesses are located above former coal mines and the vast majority of people will never experience any problems from that. Our records indicate that work was completed on the mineshafts at Camberwell Drive for the development of the estate. It is also likely that the mine shafts influenced the layout of that part of the estate with it being left as green space. Although our investigations are ongoing, due to the shaft position and complex geology we have not been able to fully identify why the collapse has occurred. Recurrence of shaft collapses are incredibly rare once a shaft has been fully remediated.
Is the ground stable?	Yes, we can confirm that the ground is stable. The original collapse was over a very small area and since then we have undertaken monitoring. This has shown no further movement. This monitoring will remain in place throughout the period of our works and dependent on the forward options would remain in place for the required period to provide assurance that there is no further movement.
What type of stone has been used to fill the shaft?	The shaft was filled at some time in the past and we do not have a record of the material used. We have used a combination of clean limestone topped with washed gravel to fill the surface ground collapse.
Why has it taken so long?	This has been a complex incident in an area with complicated geology. The investigations required as a result of this rare event can be time-consuming. Our specialist engineers need to undertake comprehensive risk assessments and investigations when designing appropriate solutions. Agreeing suitable options has taken some time and we are sorry for that. We will continue to work closely with Tameside Council and local residents to agree the most appropriate option.

Permanent Remediation Option 1: Grouting

(as presented in the meeting on July 13 2023 – download presentation)

Question(s)	Answer
How many residents will be moved out and for how long during option 1? Which residents and which properties will asked to move out of their homes and what does that mean? How many homes would be affected to the point that they would need to evacuate and how long would they need to evacuate for? What size of area would be taken over by the necessary equipment?	We consider that option 1 would cause significant disruption on the properties close to the mineshaft and to the local area due to the scale of remediation. We understand this is a concern for residents. Following the public meeting we are further developing what the implications of undertaking Option 1. It is likely that the duration of the works would be 3 years and a number of residents close to the mineshaft would need to be rehomed for at least one year during the construction period. We would work closely with those residents who are likely to be displaced to discuss what this means in detail and to understand their individual circumstances. Road closures will also be required and the equipment used is likely to be large and would require a sizeable safe working area.
Are there only 2 options. Is there another way to return the green to how it was before?	We are engaging an external consultant to ensure we have explored all options and that the solution is fair, reasonable and achievable. We will provide a further update by the end of September. We will at all times be looking to make the most effective use of public money to achieve the most appropriate remediation for the area.
What monitoring do we need for the grouting solution?	The type of monitoring will depend on the nature of the treatment undertaken. This will be decided as part of our agreed treatment plan and for a minimum of 24 months after remediation is completed to ensure there is no further movement.
When the grout is complete, is the shaft completely safe, so no need for a fence or any other warning precautions etc?	If shaft is grouted and fully remediated, our experience shows that it would be extremely unlikely there would be further issues with the shaft. With this option, there would be no requirement for a fence or any other safety precautions.
How long will the grouting take (from the first machinery going in until the absolute completion)? Exactly what is the process – you mentioned piling and large machinery etc but can you provide more detail?	We anticipate the work might take up to 3 years to complete, including a year for planning the proposed works. We will work closely with our consultants to get a clearer understanding of the process and likely timeframes. We will provide an update to residents by the end of September. Once we have worked with our consultants to design and agree a full programme of work, we will also be able to provide further details of the machinery that will need to be used.
How would other roads be impacted by option 1?	Once our investigations are complete and a programme of work is planned, we will be able to share information on any anticipated road closures.
How will the solutions affect traffic? How would the grouting process affect homes that aren’t in the immediate vicinity, e.g. road closures, utilities, noise, vibrations etc?	We consider that option 1 would cause significant disruption to the local area due to the scale of remediation. This would include road closures. Following the public meeting we are further developing what the implications of undertaking Option 1 are. It is likely that the duration of the works would be 3 years and a number of residents close to the mineshaft would need to be rehomed for at least one year during the construction period. We would work to minimise road closures and store equipment as effectively as possible. This would include working closely with Tameside Council to arrange best routes and try to minimise inconvenience to residents. We are committed to keeping all residents informed throughout the process and our website will also be updated monthly, confirming what has been achieved and advising the next stage of the works. This information can also be provided in other formats, including large font and braille via our customer service team on 01623 637000 or you can email them on customerservice@coal.gov.uk
How this shaft will show up on surveys once it is grouted?	Any mine entry within 20 metres of a property boundary appears on CON29M and other mining reports. This particular shaft already shows on mining reports and will continue to do so as the position of the shaft has not changed. The details of any updated treatment details will feature in any mining reports in the future.
What is the cost of option 1?	We will need to fully scope out the works, in conjunction with our external consultant, before we can estimate how much the proposed solution might cost. We will at all times be looking to make the most effective use of public money to achieve the most appropriate remediation for the area.

Permanent Remediation Option 2: Fencing

(as presented in the meeting on July 13 2023 – download presentation)

Question(s)	Answer
In option 2, why do two fences have to be erected, can just one be used?	Both fences are required. The outer fence is to allow access for maintenance and monitoring. This outer fence would need to be 1.8 metres high, which is similar to many boundary fences around properties. The inner fence will be slightly higher at 2.4 metres to prevent people gaining access and keep them safe.
Would/could the outer fence be removed once the planting has grown?	In order to ensure public safety, we do not anticipate being able to remove the outer fence at any point. The planting would not secure the site in the same way as fencing. The presentation shared at the meeting showing more details of the proposed fencing options can viewed on our community page.
If option 2 is used what happens if there is another collapse?	The monitoring we have undertaken has not shown any evidence of further movement. If any movement was identified in our forward monitoring, our role continues to be to make good damage caused by coal mining subsidence.
If option 2 is used what happens if we pursue a judicial review?	We would engage with the process as appropriate.

Concerns about property prices and sales

Question(s)	Answer
Can you guarantee there will no be decreases in house prices? The current situation is that people are being put off buying property in the area – what quantifiable evidence do you have regarding house prices and decreases not occurring? When selling our house, is there a difference in the potential value loss between option 1 and 2?	Our experience shows that work undertaken by the Coal Authority does not affect house prices, but we cannot provide any guarantee of this. In terms of future property values in general, it’s important to note there are many factors that influence the value of property, not just the proposed solutions to address the mine shaft collapse. We engage with the lending industry and estate agents and we will be happy to support homeowners trying to sell by speaking to lenders and estate agents to provide reassurance. At this point in time we are unable to comment on whether there will be a difference between future selling prices on properties between either options.
Would there be compensation offered to those affected? Is there compensation for a decrease in house values resulting from the collapse and subsequent remedial works?	The options available to the Coal Authority are entirely governed by the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 as amended by the Coal Industry Act 1994. This means we are unable to provide compensation for mining-related incidents or for a loss in house value because of a shaft collapse.
Can you guarantee there will not be increases in insurance prices?	We recognise that potential increases to your insurance premiums are a concern. We continue to work with estate agents, and mortgage lenders to address their concerns, explain our liabilities and help them understand the risks posed by our mining legacy. Although we are not able to guarantee that there will not be an increase in your premium, there is no reason that this should happen as a result of a shaft collapse.

Local area

Question(s)	Answer
Was a risk assessment for the building of the estate undertaken at the time and was this agreed with the local planners?	As the estate was developed prior to the existence of the Coal Authority, we don’t hold any information about the planning process or decisions. For information on planning, please contact Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council as they are the Local Planning Authority. Their contact details are: planningmail@tameside.gov.uk 0161 3428355 (option 4)
The 2 sites have been reviewed, can we have more detail about all of the shafts and what about the whole estate/ area? Other potential mine shafts in the area that residents should be aware of?	There are three mine entries in the local area. The link below takes you to an image taken from our mapping system which shows their location. You can access a copy of the map here: Map image These shafts can also be viewed on our Interactive Map Viewer
There were 2 houses demolished a short distance from this areas due to subsidence (prior to the Coal Authority being formed). What information do you have regarding this?	We have checked our records and we are unaware of any information about these properties as this work pre-dated the formation of the Coal Authority. As we are unaware of any information, please contact Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council as they are the Local Planning Authority. Their contact details are: planningmail@tameside.gov.uk 0161 3428355 (option 4)
Is the current pylon which sits near the site of the demolished homes safe and what information can you provide to prove this?	We have reviewed the mining information for the area where the pylon is located and have no cause for concern about the stability of the pylon.

General

Question(s)	Answer
What would you want if it was your house?	We appreciate that it can be very unsettling and concerning to experience a shaft collapse close to your home. One of the core roles of the Coal Authority is to manage the impacts of incidents such as this when they have occurred. Please be reassured that the remediation solution will be professionally designed by our experienced engineers in conjunction with appropriately-qualified consultants. The finished design will provide a safe environment for local residents. We acknowledge that there will be disruption, and understand there will an impact on your local community. We will work with our contractors to minimise this. We will also maintain regular contact with you through the planning and implementation of the works.
Will climate change impact any of the options/the shaft?	When planning remediation solutions, there are a number of factors that have to be considered to ensure a safe, durable remediation plan. As a result, we don’t believe that climate change will impact any of the options we are considering.

Question(s)

Answer

What would you want if it was your house?

We appreciate that it can be very unsettling and concerning to experience a shaft collapse close to your home.

One of the core roles of the Coal Authority is to manage the impacts of incidents such as this when they have occurred. Please be reassured that the remediation solution will be professionally designed by our experienced engineers in conjunction with appropriately-qualified consultants. The finished design will provide a safe environment for local residents.

We acknowledge that there will be disruption, and understand there will an impact on your local community. We will work with our contractors to minimise this.

We will also maintain regular contact with you through the planning and implementation of the works.

Will climate change impact any of the options/the shaft?

When planning remediation solutions, there are a number of factors that have to be considered to ensure a safe, durable remediation plan.

As a result, we don’t believe that climate change will impact any of the options we are considering.

Key contacts

Please contact us if there is anything you wish to discuss. The reference number for this project is P-041629.

Customer Services Team

If you have any questions about our work please call our customer services team on 0345 762 6848 or 01623 637 000 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or email us at customerservice@coal.gov.uk.

To report an emergency, please contact: 0800 288 4242 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) You can find wider information about our work at www.gov.uk/coalauthority, or see more about our priorities in our 3 year business plan and 10 year vision