10th May 2007, 12:40 AM
I think you would be very hard pressed to find a mill where it is performing anything like its original function; in my various travels around the country I have yet to find one, but if there are then you are entirely correct. The recording should also involve talking to the workers, especially those with long service.
It does seem to be that an industrial building falls out of its original use, it then gains a 'squatting use' which may be partially related to its original function or is simply using a large space such as small scale warehousing, storage or carpet sales before they reach a stage where they are 'converted' and the planning system kicks in.
I once recommended that a shopping centre should be recorded while it was in use rather than empty. I also suggested that those undertaking the recording try and get hold of CCTV footage to be placed in the county archive with the record.
It does seem to be that an industrial building falls out of its original use, it then gains a 'squatting use' which may be partially related to its original function or is simply using a large space such as small scale warehousing, storage or carpet sales before they reach a stage where they are 'converted' and the planning system kicks in.
I once recommended that a shopping centre should be recorded while it was in use rather than empty. I also suggested that those undertaking the recording try and get hold of CCTV footage to be placed in the county archive with the record.