Keele neighbourhood plan representations

Date: 12 August 2026

Thank you for your notification of the 4th August 2026 seeking the views of the Coal Authority on the above.

The Coal Authority is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. As a statutory consultee, the Coal Authority has a duty to respond to planning applications and development plans in order to protect the public and the environment in mining areas.

Our records indicate that within the Keele Parish Neighbourhood Plan area there are recorded coal mining features present at surface and shallow depth including; mine entries, coal workings and reported surface hazards. These features may pose a potential risk to surface stability and public safety.

It does not appear that the plan allocates any new sites for development and on this basis we have no objections to the Neighbourhood Plan. If new sites are proposed, which have not been assessed as part of the Local Plan, then consideration should be given to the risks posed by past coal mining activity. This is of specific significance when mine entries are
present on a site, as these features may impact on the quantum of development that can be accommodated.

The Coal Authority is of the opinion that building over the top of, or in close proximity to, mine entries should be avoided wherever possible, even after they have been capped, in line with our adopted policy.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss this further.

Yours sincerely

Melanie Lindsley BA (Hons), DipEH, DipURP, MA, PGCertSP, MRTPI

Principal Planning and Development Manager