Coal Mining Risk Assessment

A Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA) is required where the proposed ground works, excavations, and/or design and layout of the proposed development may need to be amended prior to the application being determined due to the coal mining risks.

The Coal Authority has identified and mapped higher risk areas, which they have designated as Development High Risk Areas (DHRAs).

A CMRA is required where a new building or substantial extension is proposed in a DHRA.

A CMRA is not required on the former site of Tinsley Park opencast, where coal mining risks were removed as part of the operations or for any of the following application types:

• change of use applications where there is no new building works
• reserved matters/reserved details
• householder development
• listed building consent
• demolition in a conservation area
• advertisement consent
• lawful development certificate
• hedgerow removal notice
• variation or removal of conditions which do not relate to development layouts or conditions imposed to address coal mining legacy.
• street furniture (signage, public art, CCTV columns etc.).
• alterations to existing non-residential buildings that create no new floor space such as new shop frontages and mezzanines.
• means of enclosures.
• prior notifications, of any type.
• tree works 

Information required

The Coal Authority provide detailed advice, including guidance on the content of a CMRA and a template for it.

Background to coal mining risks in Sheffield

CMRAs are required to ensure that the development is not put at any risk of ground instability arising from coal mining legacy. As noted above, the Assessment can affect the design and layout of the proposed development, in which case these details cannot just be conditioned for later assessment.