Updates
20/03/26
The gas supply to the affected property has been isolated by the utility provider, with works recommencing next week.
06/03/26
As part of the next stage of works, the gas supply to the affected property will be isolated from the wider site by the utility provider. Work will resume once the isolation process has been completed.
04/03/26
Works are progressing on the remediation of the hole. The drilling rig is in the process of being positioned, with engineers on site supervising the setup and carefully guiding the alignment to accurately locate the centre of the shaft. Once alignment is confirmed, grouting operations will begin.
Some minor ground movement has occurred around the perimeter of the hole as materials that initially fell into the shaft continue to settle and consolidate, in line with its conical profile. This behaviour was anticipated and forms part of the normal stabilisation process.
20/02/26
The planning application to remediate the hole was approved by Blackburn with Darwen Council on 19th February. Works are expected to start at some point next week. The appointed contractor is mobilising today and Monday, with equipment and materials being delivered to site in preparation for the commencement of works.
06/02/26
The planning application to remediate the hole is expected to be considered at the Council's next planning committee meeting.
16/01/26
Awaiting planning permission from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to remediate the hole.
09/01/26
Temporary access road
Construction of the temporary access road was completed on Tuesday 22nd December 2025.
Remediating the hole
A planning application for the remediation of the ground collapse was submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in December. Once planning permission has been received, works to remediate the ground collapse will begin shortly thereafter. It is anticipated works will begin in early February, subject to the necessary approvals.
24/12/25
Our offices are now closed for the Christmas period, re-opening on Friday 2nd January 2026.
The Community Liaison email address (taylorsgreen@th-community.co.uk) and phone number (0800 470 3744) remain available, with messages responded to within 3 to 5 working days upon our return, or sooner where possible. The inbox will be monitored for any emergencies during the closure.
19/12/25
Although recent adverse weather has caused some delays, works to the new temporary access road are underway. We will update you when works are complete.
12/12/25
Temporary access road
The utility cables have been lowered and works on the new access road have commenced.
Remediating the hole
Works are now anticipated to start in mid-January, following a request from Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council to submit a planning application for the remediation of the ground collapse.
05/12/25
Temporary access road
Consent from the asset owner to lower the utility cables has now been granted, and the cable-lowering works will take place this weekend, 6th – 7th December. Construction of the access road will resume on Monday and is expected to take approximately two to three weeks.
In the meantime, the footpath currently being used as the site entrance has been widened and will continue to serve as the temporary access.
Remediating the hole
The remedial designs are now being finalised and a contractor has been appointed. Work is expected to start early in the New Year.
28/11/25
Temporary access road
Work has paused on site pending consent from the asset owner to lower the utility cables.
In the interim, the footpath currently being used as the entrance to the site will be widened next week. This temporary access is being provided by the Highways Authority and continues to be deemed suitable as an entry/exit route.
Remediating the hole
The remedial designs are now in development following a comprehensive review by the engineers.
21/11/25
Works are progressing well on the new temporary access road and assessment of the hole in preparation for the remedial designs.
14/11/25
Temporary access road
Construction of the new temporary access road has started. It is expected to be completed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks, slightly longer than the original estimate due to underlying high voltage cables.
Remediating the hole
The hole is currently being assessed by engineers to ensure the most effective solution is designed, before remediation begins. This phase is expected to take approximately 12 weeks. Once the remedial designs have been finalised, a qualified contractor will undertake the works.
07/11/25
The preliminary investigative works for the new temporary road have been completed. Full construction works start w/c 10th November.
30/10/25
Works on the new temporary access road will commence tomorrow, Friday 31st October, and take approximately 2 weeks to complete.
24/10/25
A new temporary access road to and from the development has been approved by the Highways Authority. This access will run from Pole Lane through the sales centre car park to join Green Field. Works are scheduled to commence in the latter part of next week for approximately 2 weeks. Once this is in place, the footpath currently used by vehicles will be reinstated for pedestrian use.
Ongoing communication continues with the MRA and the Council.
17/10/25
All parties continue to wait for the full report from the MRA. The immediate priority is to remediate the ground collapse and identify options for reducing the exclusion zone further. Alternative temporary traffic management solutions to support access to and from the development, beyond those currently provided by the Council, are still being explored. Unfortunately, the initial plan for a Bailey bridge has been deemed unviable.
The three families currently unable to return home are being supported with longer-term accommodation for the next six months.
Light building work has resumed on site, concentrating on home finishings and landscaping. Deliveries will recommence when a permanent site access has been reinstated.
09/10/25
An exclusion zone remains in place around the affected area under the control of the MRA, and to date, no third parties – including Tilia Homes – have been permitted to undertake any investigative or remedial works within this zone.
All parties are currently awaiting the full results of the MRA’s investigation. As access and further updates are governed by the MRA’s processes, we will identify and communicate next steps alongside partner agencies once the necessary information is available.
In the interim, alternative temporary traffic management solutions to support access to and from the development are actively being explored.
02/10/25
The Mining Remediation Authority has issued a statement saying that the sinkhole is not related to historical coal mining. Their full report will be reviewed and discussed with partner agencies once it becomes available. In the meantime, the MRA is concluding its operations, and the exclusion zone has been further reduced. Investigations continue and all temporary traffic management measures remain in place.
26/09/25
It is expected that the Mining Remediation Authority will complete the filling of the hole today. Pole Lane - from Priory Drive to Spring Meadows - has reopened and the exclusion zone has been reduced. Some of the displaced residents are due to return home.
24/09/25
The Mining Remediation Authority continues to fill the void, and Pole Lane remains closed - Priory Drive to Spring Meadows - while the works are ongoing. Please use the temporary access route for entering and exiting the development. For any enquiries regarding your gas supply, contact Cadent directly.
23/09/25
The Mining Remediation Authority plans to temporarily fill the hole today and new fencing will be established to provide a clearer exclusion zone.
Following instructions from the fire service, Cadent has turned off the gas supply, whilst this work is being carried out. For any queries regarding your gas supply, please contact Cadent directly.
22/09/25
An investigation is underway into a sinkhole discovered on our Taylor’s Green site on Sunday 21st September. Emergency services, led by Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council, have secured the area - on Green Field road, off Pole Lane - and some nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution.
The site continues to be assessed by a Geo Technical Engineer to manage any structural risk and determine the steps needed to make the area safe and implement the necessary restoration work.
Our main priority is the safety and wellbeing of all residents in the area. We are currently supporting six families with alternative accommodation close to local schools and transport while assessments continue.
For resident safety, we have arranged alternative access into the development using temporary two-way traffic lights. Please follow all signage and instructions from our team on site when entering or exiting the area.