Darwen sinkhole remediation begins as displaced families await return
Temporary access road approved for Taylor’s Green estate repairs
Today marks the start of work to fill the large sinkhole that appeared in the driveway of a home at Taylor's Green estate in Darwen last September.
Councillors at Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee meeting approved plans for the sinkhole's remediation and a temporary access road last Thursday, allowing efforts to move forward without delay.
Impact on residents and planned repairs
Following the sinkhole's emergence outside properties on Green Field, six homes were evacuated, with three families remaining in temporary rental accommodation provided by housing developer Tilia Homes. The developer has committed to supporting these families throughout the repair process, ensuring they can return home as soon as possible.
The remediation work entails establishing drilling rigs, conducting mineworkings treatment boreholes, grouting, monitoring for hazardous gas, and installing a reinforced concrete cap to secure the area.
Harry Russell from Lichfields, Tilia Homes' agent, assured Ewood ward councillor Jim Casey during the meeting that efforts are dedicated to returning displaced families to their homes promptly.
Sinkhole assessment and concerns
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) estimates the sinkhole to be about 100 feet deep, the height of a 10-storey building. There had been concerns regarding possible unmapped coal mines; however, borough planning manager Gavin Prescott attributed the collapse to sandstone quarrying in the region.
Councillors praised Tilia Homes for their proactive response and dedication to a lasting solution, while committee chairman and Darwen West ward councillor Dave Smith suggested flag quarrying may have contributed to the incident.
A spokeswoman for Tilia Homes confirmed they will begin reinstating pedestrian footpaths concurrent with the remediation work, signaling progress not only for the repair efforts but also for supporting families as they move closer to returning home.