Plans in for Burmah Mill revamp

Around 21,000 sq ft of employment space could be created in a redevelopment of the derelict 19th century Blackburn weaving mill.

Situated in Gladstone Street, Burmah Mill dates back to the 1880s, when it was built as a two-storey weaving mill.

The plans for its overhaul include a partial demolition, recladding of the existing weaving shed, and reconfiguration of the parking area at the site. Two modern units would be built.

Planning consultant Urban Future has filed the plans, on behalf of a private developer.

The site is described in Urban Future’s planning, design & access statement as “located within a readily accessible and sustainable location, with good links to the motorway network and other industrial estates”.

Making its case for the project, Urban Future points to the housing and economic need assessment carried out by Blackburn with Darwen Council together with Hyndburn in 2018.

This report detailed how manufacturing, after wholesale and retail, was the fastest-growing part of the local economy, with its authors estimating that more than 2.5m sq ft of such space would be needed in the period to 2036.

However, over the last 10 years, employment floorspace has fallen by 11% across the boroughs, demonstrating the need for more warehouse space, said the firm.

Summing up, Urban Future said: “The site is considered to be best suited for such a development insofar as it is within an established commercial setting and within a sustainable location.”