Concern over Ramshaw pub plan

FORMER mine workings have prompted concerns about plans to turn a pub into housing.
Planning permission is being sought to convert the Trotters Arms, in Ramshaw, into three apartments and build four houses on the adjoining car park.
Applicant Billy Cunningham, of Cragwood Leisure Park, proposes building three-bedroom houses and converting the pub into two three-bed flats and one two-bed apartment.
Parking would also be provided on the site for residents.
However, the Coal Authority has objected.
A report identified coal mining features and hazards, including a mine entry which was filled in 1962 and lies within the site boundary.
There are also recorded coal mine workings on the site at shallow depth.
Residents living nearby have also voiced their concerns about the potential damage any building work could cause. One wrote: “The building and digging of foundations and heavy plant machinery is a concern due to the uncertain nature of the mine system under Ramshaw and may cause damage to existing housing and roads.”
Another, Julie Laidlow, added: “New houses being built in Ramshaw will also spoil the quaint village we all love.”
Ms Laidlow also expressed her concerns about the mining-related issues.
She wrote: “This was a mining village. There are lots of airshafts around this area. We have already had numerous pitfalls in gardens. Any building work could have serious implications and cause damage to neighbouring properties.”
James Laidlow wrote: “I believe the foundation work will have a detrimental effect on other properties in the village and also on the main road.”
Mary Thompson said: “There has already been major subsiding in the area since the 1960s and any building work is going to cause a danger of more subsidence of our homes.”
Martin Clark, clerk of Evenwood and Barony Parish Council has submitted an objection on behalf of the parish councillors.
He wrote: “The land around the area was used for mining and an airshaft exists around this location and any construction (foundations) could have serious implications to the surrounding areas and properties.”
The mining report states that “no development should be undertaken that intersects, disturbs or interferes with any coal or mines of coal without the permission of the Coal Authority.”
It also explains that “the investigation of coal seams and former mines of coal may have the potential to generate and/or displace underground gases.” Due to public safety implications, effective measures would need to be put in place to prevent gases entering public properties both during investigation and after development. A coal mining risk assessment report must now be submitted before the application can progress.