Rossendale taxpayers face £100,000 bill to demolish Waterside Mill in Bacup
Aerial drone footage revealed that "the whole of the building was now in a compromised state and must be considered dangerous"
Partial demolition of Waterside Mill, Bacup. (Image: SS Digital Images)
The taxpayer is set to be asked to pay up to £100,000 to fund the demolition of a Grade II-listed spinning mill.
The first phase of partial demolition of derelict Waterside Mill, Bacup, started this week, including what council chiefs described as "a controlled collapse" on Monday (September 21).
The building was discussed at Wednesday evening's Rossendale council full council meeting.
Members were called to approve "an addition to the Capital Programme of up to £100,000 for the partial demolition of Waterside Mill or full demolition if required, to be funded by borrowing or capital receipts."
The initial estimates for the works are £39,500, plus a £10,000 contingency, with the figure set to double should total demolition be necessary.
The remaining roof of the Burnley Road mill collapsed in July following three earlier sectional collapses.
At that time council building control officers had advised LancsLive that the main structure of the building, which suffered a major fire in 2003, would remain in place with little danger of further collapse.
But in this week's report, the head of planning and building control says aerial drone footage has revealed that "the whole of the building was now in a compromised state and must be considered dangerous".
It adds: "Due to the dangerous state of the building the council is required to make the building safe. As the owner can't be contacted the council will be required to fund the works and reclaim at a later date through the charge on the property."
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In a statement Rossendale council said: "Phase one of the demolition revealed that further removal than was originally planned would be needed and whilst working on the mill yesterday there was a controlled collapse.
"No debris fell outside the safety zone and at no point was there a risk to residents or motorists. Demolition experts stayed on site till it was secure and they were satisfied there was no risk of further collapse. Phase one has also revealed the presence of asbestos which is currently being safely removed by qualified experts and poses no risk to nearby residents.
"The mill is a listed building and consent from Historic England had to be sought before any work could be carried out. The listing of the building also means that it cannot be fully demolished unless Historic England agree and de-list the building.
"They have been kept informed of the situation and a detailed report will be sent to them after phase one is completed."
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