Conveyancing in Newcastle - Effects of Coal Mining

Newcastle Solicitor conducts coal search

Fridaysmove Conveyancing Solicitor, Simon Crozier, acted on behalf of the buyer of a semi-detached home in Northfield Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3. As Simon had previous knowledge of Newcastle and was aware of coal-mining that had been carried out in the area in the past, he conducted a coal search.

Property details were received from Bairstow Eves office at 153,High Street,Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1HA, revealing that the value of the property was approximately £200,000. The necessary property searches were promptly commissioned, including a mining search from the coal authority, an environmental search, and a local search with Newcastle City Council.

Newcastle based Solicitors Ward Hadaway of Sandgate House, 102 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX acted for the Seller, and sent Simon the draft contract and copy of the land registry title.

The result of the coal-mining search showed that the property was in an area where shallow mining operations had been carried out in the past. Where coal-seams lie just below the surface coal was often worked from shallow pits in the past. As these workings were often carried out long ago, records do not thoroughly indicate whether or not the pits affect a specific property.

The search on this property indicated that there were no records that the building had previously been affected by subsidence from old workings, and it was considered unlikely that further settlement would now occur. The house had been built many years ago, and there was no prospect of future mining in the vicinity. The buyer was therefore reassured that there was little risk of any future problems arising from old mining works.

The environmental search showed that the property was in an area where there was some risk of flooding. This can be a concern to buyers, as insurance can become difficult to obtain for houses that are perceived to be at high flooding risk. Simon therefore raised enquiries with the vendor's Conveyancing Solicitors as to whether any flooding had previously occurred at the property, and whether the seller had encountered any difficulties in obtaining insurance coverage. The seller replied that he was not aware of any flooding having occurred in the area, and had obtained buildings insurance at normal premiums without any problem. Simon was therefore able to advise his client accordingly.

Overall, there were no significant issues revealed through the searches, which Simon was able to report to his client, and the purchase rapidly proceeded to completion.

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