Darwen housing estate sinkhole investigated by mining authority

A sinkhole which opened up on a new housing estate following heavy rain in Lancashire this weekend is being investigated by the Mining Remediation Authority.

Seven homes were evacuated after the road surface collapsed at a new housing estate in Green Field, near Pole Lane, in Darwen.

Concerns had previously been raised about the development being built in a former mining area.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Sunday, with Blackburn with Darwen Council initially declaring a major incident, which was later stood down. The authority has said it is “continuing to work with partners and specialists at the site”.

The council reiterated its priority was “the safety of all residents in the area, and six homes remain evacuated”.

It added it was supporting those families whose homes were affected.

It follows criticism on social media questioning why planning permission for the development on mining land had been granted.

The council responded by stating “all planning applications are subject to rigorous assessment, including statutory consultation with key agencies”.

“Planning permission is only ever granted if the application meets all requirements.”

The Mining Remediation Authority manages the effects of past coal mining, including subsidence damage.

Over the weekend, some locals took to social media, reflecting on the concerns which had been previously raised about building in a former mining area.

One posted on Facebook: “A sinkhole, where there are old mineshafts, who would have guessed it!”

Another person wrote: “I remember our old neighbour saying this would happen before the houses were even built.”