CALL US +44 (0)1665 510777 EMAIL INFO@NORTHUMBERLANDESTATES.CO.UK MENU MINERALS Home The Estate Minerals INTRODUCTION In common with other major landowners such as the Church of England, the Crown Estates, the Duchy of Cornwall and of Lancaster and others, Northumberland Estates (‘the Estate’) is in the process of registering historic mineral and manorial rights following changes in the law governing land registration. This is happening across England and Wales as landowners follow a new official process of registration for certain centuries old rights to minerals. Northumberland Estates is a privately owned family business, which represents the business interests of the Duke of Northumberland and the Percy family and its various Trusts. It is worth stating at the outset that the private ownership of minerals does not extend to oil and gas, or to coal reserves which are vested in the State, neither to gold and silver deposits which are owned by the Crown. As a result of the registration process, property owners with land where these minerals rights are being registered may receive notification from the Land Registry. This will undoubtedly raise questions so, in an effort to reassure, we have compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions which we hope may be of assistance to those affected. MINERAL FAQS Why is Northumberland Estates registering manorial and mineral rights? Why have I received a Notice from the Land Registry and not from Northumberland Estates? Is this a new claim for mineral rights? Why don’t the title deeds to my house show who owns the minerals beneath my property? Does this mean minerals extraction can take place under my property without any permission? Will the changes to my title affect the value of my house or my mortgage and make it harder to sell? Will my buildings insurance be affected? Can I challenge this registration of minerals? Does Northumberland Estates intend to use these minerals rights in the future to undertake ‘fracking’ activities should Government policy change or similar? CONTACT US If you have further questions, more information can be found on the HM Land Registry web site at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/land-registry. Alternatively you can contact us by email at minerals@northumberlandeatates.co.uk or at The Estate Office. Alnwick Castle. Alnwick. Northumberland. NE66 1NQ Estate Office, Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ +44 (0)1665 510777 info@northumberlandestates.co.uk Quick Links PROPERTY PROPERTY SEARCH OTHER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WALKS & TRAILS VACANCIES ABOUT US Useful Links THE ALNWICK GARDEN ALNWICK CASTLE SYON PARK Quick Contact SUBMIT TERMS OF USE PRIVACY POLICY MODERN SLAVERY & HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY COPYRIGHT © THE NORTHUMBERLAND ESTATES 2021 • CREATED BY THE WORKS DIGITAL