Cavities Database

Understanding ground instability risks

Ground instability poses subsidence—caving in or sinking—risks to existing services, infrastructure, and buildings as well as to new-builds and the public. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2021 Clause 183) requires that all new development sites are checked for potential ground instability risk.

Extensive and readily accessible, our system was originally compiled as part of national studies published in the 1980s. Today, the Cavities Database contains over 32,000 records—and we’re adding more every year.

Our Cavities Database allows you to quickly check for potential instability and identify locations for further assessment.

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Which report option is right for your project?

Our Cavities Database and services can be scaled to the level of detail you need. Whether that’s a factual search within a defined radius or an interpretive cavities occurrence assessment of the key geological, hydrogeological, and geomorphological factors. We can also enhance our assessments by incorporating your site’s ground investigation data or by including archival research sources. All necessary layers of detail can be combined to produce a site-specific geographic information system (GIS) hazard analysis map. Read More

Why choose Cavity Database?


Meet Regulations Satisfy NPPF 2021 Clause 183 for a site potentially at risk from ground instability.
Comprehensive Data Gain access to over 32,000 records.
Quick Identification Detect locations that require special attention.
Detailed Records National Grid Reference (NGR) defines the position of individual cavities and cavity polygons which cover wider areas.
Archive Library Access an extensive body of additional background reference information.
Follow On Services We can provide ground investigation, remedial assistance, and expert witness service.

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