MPG 12 - Treatment of Disused Mine Openings

MPG12 Minerals Planning Guidance: Treatment of Disused Mine Openings and Availability of Information on Mined Ground

DoE & WO
April 1994

This MPG outlines problems which may occur due to disused mine openings and the uses to which they can be put after abandonment, including underground storage and maintenance for pumping or ventilation purposes.

It emphasises the primary responsibilities of owners and the relevance of planning control where the safety or stability of land is involved. Treatment of old openings can be undertaken for safety, conservation or development reasons. The state of such openings can be a material planning consideration.

Developers are expected to furnish any relevant information to the planning authority. Statutory and other consultees are listed and the importance of local planning authorities in preserving relevant information in an organised and accessible data base are emphasised.

Documentary evidence is important but, says the MPG, is no substitute for investigation on the ground. Appendices cover the nature and treatment of disused mine openings, and responsibilities and liabilities in respect of openings and their treatment.

There are also lists of relevant legislation and organisations offering information and advice as well as descriptions of the main types of mine data system.

This document is not currently available online.

ISBN: 0-11-752936-2

This has been superseded by Planning Policy Guidance Note 14 (PPG14) Annex 2: Subsidence and Planning