Demolition of Former Market Hall and Associated Features, Blackburn.

The proposed scheme occupies land within an area between
the junctions of Salford Street and Penny Street (SD 68848 28175), Penny Street and
Brown Street (SD 68523 28295) and Brown Street and Ainsworth Street (SD 68383
28310). Although the study area was currently occupied by Blackburn Market, it was
situated at the historic core of the town, and in an area identified as being of
considerable archaeological potential.
To accompany the planning application, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
was undertaken in 2012, for which Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) completed
an assessment to determine the likely significant effects of the proposals on
archaeology and cultural heritage as an environmental factor. A walkover survey was
also undertaken by OA North in April 2012 in order to examine the current conditions
within the proposed development area. Consequently, the planning officer at
Lancashire County Archaeology Service (LCAS) advised that a condition was attached
to the planning approval (planning ref: 10/12/0962) and that an archaeological
watching brief should be undertaken in relation to any subsequent below-ground
development works, particularly when the concrete foundation slabs from the market
building were lifted and removed.