Services to Developers of the Built Environment

Published geological information is available across the UK to carry out desktop geological appraisals of any site.  A desktop geological appraisal is the preliminary step in identifying potential issues arising from the underlying minerals and strata.  This may include the risk of subsidence or the risk of a commercially viable mineral deposit either preventing surface development or requiring prior extraction.  MSA member firms are able to identify and interpret available geological data and provide a cost-effective report on the commercial risks which may arise from the minerals beneath your site. 

As an indirect consequence of the Land Registration Act 2002, a significant portion of mineral rights severed from surface title now have the benefit of a separate Land Registry title. Building over mineral rights under separate ownership may or may not result in minerals trespass.  Each case should be considered on its merits depending on the details of the title severance, substance being disturbed, and rights reserved.  Our Chartered Mineral Surveyors have 50 years’ experience collectively in considering severed minerals title and can provide a balanced assessment of any mineral trespass claim arising from proposed surface development. 

The Coal Authority, which has responsibility for past coal mining within the UK, has provided all planning authorities with coal bearing strata within their jurisdiction with coal mining risk assessment plans.  If your site is within an area identified as high risk, then a planning application for development will require a Coal Mining Risk Assessment to be submitted with the application. All of our MSA consultants can provide cost-effective compliant reports.  If potential hazards are identified, we can also advise on appropriate remediation measures. 

Where coal remains unworked at shallow depth beneath a development site, the Coal Authority can, as a Statutory Consultee, request the prior extraction of the coal before the proposed surface development.  Where there is potential for this to occur we can offer advice on the merits of prior extraction and prepare a Prior Extraction Report to accompany the Coal Mining Risk Assessment, setting out (where appropriate) the rational for the coal to remain in-situ. Prior extraction may also be needed to be considered for other surface minerals. We can advise and make representation to local authorities where prior extraction may not be considered appropriate or proportionate.

Environmental Impact Assessment is a necessary part of gaining and maintaining a mineral or waste management planning permission.  The multiple technical reports required to produce an EIA require project management skills to assemble and deliver a comprehensive document.  MSA has experienced EIA project managers capable of meeting your requirements.

The value of all property assets varies from year to year in response to market forces. Companies require property values for annual financial reporting purposes.  Minerals, waste, and renewable energy assets should be valued periodically to ensure a fair value is reflected in annual accounts.  Our RICS Registered Valuers also offer valuation services covering mineral assets and brownfield development land.