Claim for subsidence damage caused by coal mining

You may be able to claim for ‘subsidence’ (sinking) damage caused by coal mining, for example:

  • structural damage to your house, which can start with cracked plaster and sticking doors
  • ground collapse or other damage to your land

You may also be able to get compensation for what you spend on a surveyor if your claim is successful.

How to claim

You can claim for damage from the Coal Authority.

  1. Find out if the damage is due to coal mining - a chartered surveyor can do this for you.

  2. Download and fill in a damage notice form.

  3. Send the form to the Coal Authority.

Coal Authority public safety and subsidence helpline
Telephone: 0345 762 6848
Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

The Coal Authority

200 Lichfield Lane

Mansfield

Nottinghamshire

NG18 4RG

What happens next

An engineer will inspect the damage.

If they agree with your claim, you’ll either get:

  • the damage fixed
  • compensation for the damage

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision on your claim within 90 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can apply to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) to review your claim if you do not agree with the decision.

Apply under the Householder Arbitration Scheme if you’re the owner and claiming for a domestic property. It costs £96.

Otherwise apply under the General Arbitration Scheme.

Contact CEDR to find out how to apply.

CEDR
Telephone: 020 7536 6000
Find out about call charges

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