Coal mining legacy risks: what developers need to know
Many parts of South Lanarkshire have a long history of coal mining. Old mine workings can still cause problems today, and new development may disturb them. This can lead to ground movement, damage to buildings, or risks to public safety.
If you are planning to build, extend or develop land, it’s important to know whether your site is affected and what you may need to do.
What problems can old coal mines cause?
Coal mining legacy issues can include:
- collapse of shallow mine workings
- instability or collapse of mine shafts and adits
- escape of gases such as methane, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide
- underground fires or heating of coal
- gases moving through the ground into nearby properties
- subsidence caused by historic mining
- water entering land or buildings from old workings
These risks are now considered part of the planning application process. We do this in consultation with the Mining Remediation Authority to make sure developments are safe.
High‑risk and low‑risk areas
The Mining Remediation Authority divides the coalfield into two zones:
- Development High Risk Area
- Development Low Risk Area
When you submit a planning application, we will check which area your site falls into. You can also check this yourself using the interactive map viewer.
If it is in a high‑risk zone, to fully assess your application, you may need to provide extra information, such as a Coal Mining Risk Assessment.