About

Following the collapse of the cave at Arch Cot on August 26, 2007, that led to the collapse of the overlying apartment building and the death of five (5) persons, a team of professionals were contracted by the Government to perform a thorough scientific investigation to inform policies regarding changes in land use as well as developmental and construction practices in the Arch Cot and Greater Brittons Hill areas. The final report for the study was completed in 2009. The area is divided into four zones:  Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4 based on the limestone formation in the area and the probability of geological failures

Zone 1 – This area has the highest probability of geological failures occurring.  All development within this area must carry out a geotechnical survey before a decision is made.

Zone 2 – This area has an intermediate probability of geological failures occurring. Development within this area must carry out a geotechnical survey before a decision is made.

Zone 3 – This area is located north of Zone 2 and has a lower probability of geological failures than Zone 2. However, development in this area still must carry out a geotechnical survey before a decision is made.

Zone 4 – This area is located south of Zone 2 and extends toward Dalkeith Road to the south. The area is bound by Zone 1 to the west and by the cliff at Highgate to the east. It has a lower probability of geological failures than Zone 2. Again, any development in the area must carry out a geotechnical survey before a decision is made.