Coal mining subsidence: A cautionary tale for surveyors.

For many centuries, subsidence as a consequence of mining activity has been a continuous problem in Britain.Despite the existence of legislation providing for compensation for damage as a consequence of coal mining activity, in the 1980's environmental concerns were also being expressed in Britain about the adverseaffects of coal mining. Damage resulting from coal mining subsidence is widespread across the UK and the legal implications of such makes it imperative that the public is properly informed of the proximity of any active mining areas, and those areas for which mining activity has now ceased. This article looks at the situation in the 1980's, the changesthat were introduced, and considers the need for further change some 25 years later.