Alleviate sinkhole risk with Ground Stability Report

A terrifying but increasingly common issue in the UK is the sinkhole; a second series of Channel 5’s Sinkholes programme is examining what happens when the pipes, tunnels and waterways that lie beneath our feet start to crumble.

Once-stable areas can literally fall into the ground thanks to natural movement below the earth. A particular issue is in areas where historic coal mining was carried out and old mineshafts move, causing sinkholes to suddenly appear.

Subsidence threat increased

In the latest C5 series, the Sinkholes team looked at incidents across the UK, including examining a sinkhole that suddenly appeared in Birmingham, caused by old mineworks. Where one hole has already appeared, the risk of further subsidence is greatly increased, and that’s a serious worry for householders and the authorities.

Homeowners who want to sell their home may find it almost impossible to find a buyer if the area is known to be prone to sinkholes, while buyers need to do their homework thoroughly to rule out any potential subsidence.

Incidents covered in Sinkholes episodes include a homeowner’s plan to sell her home, which was scuppered by a nearby mine shaft. The long-term impact of chalk mining and its effect on the livelihood of a family in Bury St Edmunds was also investigated.

Data maps hazardous areas

Home buyers who want to know what risk there is to their potential new home from sinkholes or ground collapse can rest easy. One of the optional searches our conveyancing solicitors offer is a Ground Stability Report that combines the official CON29M search with data from the British Geological Survey (BGS).

The Ground Stability report will highlight specific information on the potential hazards from natural subsidence, while using comprehensive data to identify the known and suspected risks associated with the UK’s coal mining industry.

Talk to our expert team now on 0800 038 6699 for more information on the Ground Stability Report. You can also get an instant quote for conveyancing services that will outline the potential costs and searches involved.

Sinkholes is shown on Channel 5 on Tuesdays at 9pm. Catch up on previous episodes at My5.

Kindly shared by Homeward Legal