RICS Level 3 Survey in Coppull

Coppull’s housing stock still shows its industrial past. A lot of the village’s homes were put up during the fast expansion after 1850, when terraces were built for coal miners and factory workers. Those Victorian and Edwardian streets make up most sales here, and they often rely on older construction methods that bring their own headaches. Our surveyors regularly come across original brickwork, ageing roof structures, and older electrical and plumbing systems that may no longer meet current regulations. Many of these houses are sound enough, yet they can still need steady maintenance that buyers have not budgeted for.

Victorian terraces in Coppull are usually built with solid brick walls and no cavity insulation, so damp can creep in where pointing has failed. Roofs tend to use traditional timber rafters beneath slate or clay tiles, some original, some replaced over time. Our inspectors look closely at all of it, from rot in timber and worn mortar pointing to flashing around chimneys. On streets such as Chapel Road and Preston Road, we frequently find roof coverings and parapet walls that need attention.

Coppull’s mining past is something we always factor into a survey. The village had several collieries, including Chisnall Hall Colliery and Coppull Hall Colliery, both now closed. Disused mine workings and deep shafts are still present in the area, and although the risk of mining subsidence is generally low for modern properties, our surveyors still look hard for movement, cracking, or settlement that might point to a deeper problem. We check wall surfaces for characteristic movement, make sure door and window frames are not distorted, and look at floors for levelness. Where former mining activity is closer by, we recommend extra caution and may advise specialist investigations.

The village also has nine Grade II listed buildings, among them Coppull Hall, Coppull Old Hall, and the historic Coppull Ring Mill. If you are thinking about a listed property, our surveyors can assess the practical demands of looking after period features while also flagging structural concerns. These buildings often need a proper understanding of traditional construction and conservation rules, and our team has experience of assessing such properties across the Chorley area. We take a balanced approach, identifying the repairs that matter while respecting the character that gives these buildings their appeal.

Older homes in Coppull can also show clear signs of thermal inefficiency, and our surveyors record those in detail. Original single-glazed windows, solid brick walls without insulation, and older heating systems all play a part in higher energy bills. Our Level 3 Survey gives a full picture of the property’s current condition, so you can plan improvements and understand what may be needed to bring it up to modern standards of comfort and efficiency.

Coppull is still expanding, with new housing developments bringing modern homes into the village. The Church View development by Miller Homes offers 3 and 4-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes priced from £235,000 to £400,000. It sits in the PR7 5AB postcode area and features contemporary designs with modern fixtures and fittings. Story Homes’ Elmbrook Park development, by contrast, includes 3, 4, and 5-bedroom detached properties ranging from £425,000 to £535,000. The mix of brick and render creates an attractive streetscape that has proved popular with families looking to move into the area.

Another 118 new homes are planned at Blainscough Lane, with construction due to start in 2024. This Story Homes development will include one-bedroom apartments, plus two- and three-bedroom affordable houses, alongside market homes with three to five bedrooms. It is next to Blainscough Hall and marks further growth in Coppull. For buyers looking at these new properties, knowing what is planned nearby can matter for long-term investment decisions.

New build homes do benefit from modern methods and warranties, but a Level 3 Survey is still useful. Our surveyors can spot possible defects in recently built properties, check the standard of finishes, and see that the installations are working as they should. We have inspected new builds across the country and know that even brand new homes can have issues missed during the builder’s quality control process. Typical findings include incomplete snagging items, poor sealing around windows, and problems with mechanical ventilation systems. For buyers at Elmbrook Park and Church View, the survey gives independent confirmation that the home has been checked beyond the usual builder’s warranty inspections. We can also advise on any warranty matters that should be raised with the developer.

Coppull does benefit from generally low fluvial and tidal flood risk, although surface water flooding remains a concern in some parts of the village. Several watercourses run through or around it, including Whittle Brook, Clancutt Brook, the River Yarrow, Eller Brook, Hic-Bibi Brook, and Stars Brook. During heavy rainfall, these can add to localised flooding where drainage is overloaded. The Central Lancashire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has highlighted certain areas, especially southwest of the Coppull Enterprise Centre on Mill Lane, as having significant surface water flood risk. Our surveyors take these factors into account when inspecting properties in affected locations.

Drainage systems are checked by our surveyors, along with signs of dampness or water staining and how vulnerable the property may be to flooding. We look at gutters and downpipes for damage or blockages, check external ground levels to see that water runs away from the house, and assess any basement or cellar space. Where a property sits in a known flood risk area, we give specific advice on flood resilience and may suggest more detailed investigations into the drainage infrastructure. That could mean non-return valves for drainage, flood barriers, or sump pumps.

Lancashire County Council has carried out work to map drainage systems in Coppull, and our team keeps up with local flood risk assessments so we can give accurate advice. We also check the PR7 5WP postcode area for real-time river and rainfall levels that may point to current flood risk. When we survey a home near one of Coppull’s brooks, we pay close attention to boundary treatments and any signs of past water damage. Knowing the flooding history of a specific spot can be vital when you are making a purchase decision.