Market hall ‘a danger to the public’
URGENT repairs are set to be carried out at a historic former market hall.
The Old Market Hall, on Bank Street in Bacup, has been targeted over the years by lead thieves and vandals.
Plans have been submitted to Rossendale council by developer Beacon Development Ltd to repair ‘urgent structural defects’, although the council says there is not considered to be an imminent risk of collapse.
According to the application, the building in its current condition ‘is a danger to the public’ caused by ‘30-plus years of standing derelict with no maintenance’.
The scheme would involve repairing the southern gable end of the Grade-II listed building, repairing roof slates and timbers and installing a temporary roof cover.
The developer, based in Manchester, said a separate planning application will be submitted for consent to covert the 19th century building into residential use with ‘approximately 14 units’.
In documents sent to the council, they said: “This listed building application is for essential maintenance and repair work to the southern gable of the existing listed building to secure the safety of the adjacent neighbours and public. The existing gable having suffered from many years of lack of maintenance.
“The building has been severely damaged by the weather and rain penetration into the building. Also, the building has incurred damage through vandal- ism and theft. The timbers that remain are soaked, the slates that remain are lying in piles scattered randomly across the roof. The weight of the roof is putting undue pressure on the existing cast iron supporting columns, which themselves, are cracking under the weight of the roof. Parts of the roof have already collapsed.”
The developer said the roof is also currently home to approximately 16 common pipistrelle bats and an application has been made to Natural England for the bats to be moved.
Coun Jimmy Eaton said the building is in a ‘very sorry state and something needs to be done to it’.
He said: “I remember 50 years ago when my grandma used to take me up to the market. I believe it’s in a sorry state now and whatever happens will be to the benefit of the town.”
In a statement, Rossendale council said: “Officers from the planning team have met with the owners of the Old Market Hall and were advised of the owner’s concerns in respect of specific parts of the building from a struc- tural perspective. The Conservation Officer has visited the site and is working with the owners in respect of ensuring the retention of the building. It is not considered that there is an imminent risk of collapse, however the planning section are using all reasonable endeavours to issue a decision as soon as possible to enable the necessary works to be undertaken.”
The Old Market Hall was built in 1867 and retained its use until the 1940s when it was used as a warehouse.