http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloa...407_report.pdf
3. BACKGROUND
3.1 Hargreaves’ Warehouse is a Grade II Listed Building at the heart of the Church Canalside
Conservation Area. It is also a key building prominently located at the Church Oswaldtwistle
Gateway.
The building has suffered from long-term vacancy and its deteriorating condition has been a
cause of concern in recent years. The poor condition of the building creates problems for the
historic building fabric; the character of the canalside; the regeneration of the surrounding area;
and the image of the borough at this gateway location.
3.2 Officers have had prolonged negotiations over many years with the owner of the Warehouse to
secure essential maintenance and the long term economic use of the building. However the
building continues to be vacant and in a deteriorating condition.
3.3 The gateway area around the Warehouse is a high priority for regeneration within the borough.
A feasibility study for the area was produced for the Council by consultants in 2005. Planning
guidance based on the study was adopted by the Council in 2006 to create confidence for
investment in the area. This has been followed up with the selection of a private sector
development partner to work with the Council to bring about the much needed rejuvenation of
the gateway. This will involve a complex package of masterplanning, site assembly and
partnership development.
3.4 There is widespread recognition that the regeneration of the area requires early action to
address the problems associated with the Warehouse. Local authorities are empowered by the
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation areas) Act 1990 to take action to secure the
repair of listed buildings when it becomes evident that a building is being allowed to
deteriorate. There are two forms of potential action :
• Urgent Works Notice
Section 54 of the Act enables a local authority to carry out urgent works considered necessary
for the preservation of a listed building. The owner must be given notice of the intended works.
These powers extend only to the minimum work necessary to keep the building wind and
weatherproof; safe from collapse; and protected from vandalism or theft. Local authorities may
recover the cost of urgent works from the building’s owner.
• Repairs Notice
Section 48 of the Act enables a local authority to serve a Repairs Notice on the owner of a listed
building which is not being properly preserved. These powers should be used where protracted
failure by the owner to keep a listed building in reasonable repair places the building at risk. The
Notice is intended to secure work for the long-term preservation of the building. The extent of
repairs is largely determined by the condition of the building at the time of listing. If, after at least
2 months, it appears that reasonable steps are not being taken by the owner, the local authority
may be able to begin compulsory purchase proceedings under Section 47.
A further report will be sent to Cabinet if the owner defaults on the Repairs Notice.
A local authority may serve an Urgent Works Notice and a Repairs Notice concurrently.
That report was april 2007 - did the council compulsory purchase? if they did WE pay to restore its ugliness