IT is ironic that Blackburn with Darwen Council is asking people living in the St Peter’s area of Darwen to apply for planning permission to avoid detrimental changes to the houses, thus maintaining the historical features of the buildings and area.
Where was their concern for the heritage of Darwen when the houses in the Redearth and Queen Street area were demolished for regeneration?
The architecture for the Leisure Centre and Academy is all modern with no concession to the architectural heritage of the area.
More planning permission applications are of course more money for the council.
The proposal to put retail areas in the market hall to revive the Victorian feature is counter to the neglect of the markets and retailers in Darwen.
In fact there is no real long-term commitment to the three-day market.
Plans to restore some of the historical building have not yet occurred.
It could be that they are not on the schedule. Or it could be that the council decides what it needs and when, without any real concern for the area.
It made a good job of destroying the character of Blackburn in the sixties and now it is turning on Darwen.
PATRICIA COOPER, Waterside Terrace, Waterside, Darwen.
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