Orchard Mill Perspex plant demolition approved

The demolition operation is expected to take five months to complete

The demolition of a former Perspex plant in east Lancashire has been approved.

James Industrial Ltd can now knock down the buildings at Orchard Mill in Darwen with the process expected to take five months.

It clears the way for the future redevelopment of the 6.5 acre (2.6 hectare) Duckworth Street site.

Perspex International vacated the complex as part of a centralisation of its manufacturing operations and the creation of a new £40m centre at the main site off Goose House Lane – the first stage of a five-year job-creating investment programme in the town.

'Standard demolition'

Production of Perspex - a clear acrylic plastic - began at Orchard Mill in 1940 when the firm was part of ICI.

A planning officer's report said part of the building to be demolished is joined to another building.

"A structural inspection report has been submitted confirming how the two buildings would be physically separated and parts of the mill walls would be retained," it said.

"The proposed method of demolition is relatively standard for this type of development."

The approval report also includes a requirement for no vehicles to wait to enter the site on the A666 main road through the town, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.