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Concerns over Nelson housing estate’s proximity to old coal mines
The residential development, by Pearl Together, aims to provide new family homes in various sizes to the south-east of Nelson, and has already seen the number of homes reduced from 200 due to the sloped nature of the land.
Two objection letters from residents have been submitted to the council so far, with one citing concerns over the lands’ use for housing, as full investigations and remedial work to the former mining area had not taken place.
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In addition, the Coal Authority has registered its opposition to the proposals and said a full risk assessment needs to be carried out to determine if it is safe to build homes on the land.
It said: “The Coal Authority records indicate that within the application site and surrounding area there are coal mining features and hazards which need to be considered in relation to the determination of this planning application.
“Our records indicate the presence of two recorded mine entries within, or within 20 metres, of the planning boundary.
“Any untreated mine entry and its resultant zone of influence poses a significant risk not only to surface stability but also public safety.
“Building over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry can be dangerous and has the potential for significant risks to both the development and the occupiers if not undertaken properly.
“The applicant should be informed they need to submit a Coal Mining Risk Assessment Report as part of this application, prepared by a suitably qualified person.
“Without such a risk assessment, the Coal Authority does not consider the [council] has sufficient information to determine this planning application and therefore objects to this proposal.”
In a letter to the council, one resident said: “I find it totally irresponsible to consider any further development of this site, taking into serious consideration the comments made by the Coal Authority.
“Their request was for a planned scheme for site investigation and remedial works to be undertaken and findings to be reported in full, to ensure the protection of the public and the environment in mining areas.
“This condition requires the development not to commence unless and until remedial works have been implemented in strict accordance with agreed details.
“As to date, the residents are unaware of any remedial works having been undertaken to meet these requirements in order to protect public safety at the highest level.”
They also cited concerns about increased traffic in the area from the plans, as well as “boy racers” in the area.
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Another resident said the land should be used for farming cereals instead of housing.
Pendle Council’s Environmental Health department also opposed the plans on the grounds of the relocation of a footpath running through the development, as well as it not being fully accessible and not having any straight-line visibility, providing “potential hiding places for attackers”.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has made amendment recommendations based on access to the site and water provision, while the Lead Local Flood Authority requires further documents to be submitted regarding water management and sustainable drainage.
