Risk of subsidence due to Brine Pumping - Cheshire Salt Search

5 replies

Kittley · 02/02/2022 11:06

We're at the very final stage of purchasing a house in East Cheshire. All searches came back and this flagged a moderate to high risk of ground subsidence due to a history of Brine Pumping a long time ago. We we're asked to order a Cheshire Salt Search which confirmed that "a notice of damage was flagged in February 1959 and an inspection of the property revealed evidence of damage through subsidence due to bring pumping and compensation was paid out".

The house we're buying was built in the 1970s and the current owner has lived there for more than 10 yrs so assuming the subsidence damage in 1959 was a previous house that was since demolished. From our eyes, the house visually looks in very good condition with no signs of cracks or damage when we visited twice. We're expecting the home buyers survey report today but wondered if anyone else has had a similar issue and what did you do? Thanks

OP posts:

LoriLaw · 18/02/2022 09:43

I am thinking of moving to Shropshire but I am really concerned about the risk of subsidence! I would welcome any advice from people who live there. Also best & worst areas to move to. My husband & I are retired so don't have to worry about schools.

WelcomeEverythingIsFine · 18/02/2022 09:54

Hi OP, does the report mention whether or not the claim was commuted? If so, that would mean you would not be eligible to claim for that property in the future. Parts of Cheshire are covered by the Cheshire Brine Subsidence Compensation Board, and if a property is damaged due to brine related subsidence then you can claim through the board for damages. Payouts in recent times have been low, and as mentioned earlier if there has already been a claim that’s been commuted then you would be unable to claim again. Was the surveyor that did your homebuyers report local? You would want someone used to dealing with properties in this area. In an ideal world, a full structural survey would be most comprehensive and I would give them a copy of your Cheshire brine report beforehand. That puts them in the best place to advise. A previous claim could also affect the price and availability of home insurance so I would check that out pre exchange too. Hope that helps.

TheNoonBell · 18/02/2022 10:03

@LoriLaw

Shropshire here. There was a small landslide up the road a few years ago but that was caused by building higher up that took out a few garages. Some nearby local subsidence but nothing major for the last few decades.

When we moved in we found out we have a disused mine at the back of the garden so old it didn't show up in the searches. That has now been secured with barbed wire and DP is enjoying telling everyone that we now have a "minefield". Our side bit of garden had a small landslide in the 80's but that was again due to building and excavation works next to it.

Not overly concerned as these things happen very rarely.

If retired have a look at Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Wenlock and Church Stretton as they are popular with retirees.

Geekygeek · 18/02/2022 10:19

Groundsure provide a Cheshire Salt Search product (licences by the salt board). I would hope one had been purchased as part of conveyancing. Covers all the topics mentioned by PP

LoriLaw · 18/02/2022 15:15

Thank you. That's reassuring and helpful.

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