Many properties on the estate have coalholes set into the pavement outside their front doors. These iron covers were designed to allow for the delivery of coal directly into bunkers positioned in householder’s vaults under the pavements. These coalholes may still open into resident’s vaults or may have been blocked up or been sealed to prevent water ingress and damp.
Residents should note that the pavement surface does not and cannot provide a waterproof barrier to prevent damp penetrating into under-pavement vaults. Although the CEPC aims to keep its pavements in a good condition, it is the responsibility of lessees to provide and maintain in good repair any damp proofing within their vaults.
Some of the coalholes are listed features of the estate and each is the responsibility of the respective lessee to maintain, despite their location within the CEPC’s pavement. They should not be removed or altered in any way without gaining appropriate permissions.
If you have problems with your coalhole due to breakage of the ironwork, please call the CEPC who can advise you on making arrangements to have it repaired.
