Crown Paints to demolish buildings on its Darwen site

The firm has been granted permission to demolish the mix of warehouses, workshops and offices.

It has asked Blackburn with Darwen Council for prior approval to knock down the out-of-date buildings at Unit 7b, Hollins Road, Darwen, which now been given.

A report recommending its granting by planning officer Jamie Edwards says: "The application site relates to a large industrial site specialising in paint manufacturing known as ‘Crown Paints Ltd’.

"The site is to the east of the A666 Blackburn Road, Darwen accessed off Hollins Road.

"The proposal relates to five industrial buildings of varied style and materials. They are a mixture of warehouse/workshop space with some offices.

"The information provided states the reason for the demolition is due to the buildings being old and no longer occupied or fit for purpose.

"Prior notification will determine whether the method of demolition and land restoration requires the prior approval of the local planning authority

"A site notice to publicise the application has been displayed near the site. No public comments have been received.

"The proposed demolition is not urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health and is not excluded demolition.

"The application is accompanied by a detailed demolition method statement and plan.

"With reference to the proposed method of demolition, it will comprise of mechanical /hydraulic plant and equipment in a top down manner following soft stripping and asbestos removal.

"The structures are to be demolished down to ground floor slab level, which will then be left clean and free from any materials.

"On that basis, the method of demolition and land restoration is considered acceptable.

"A bat survey report has been submitted.

"The report concludes that the building inspections found no indications of use by roosting bats, and no bats were recorded roosting in the building.

"All five buildings proposed for demolition probably date from the period 1894-1930."