Conservation of Textile Mills and Weaving Sheds
Textile mills are a prominent feature of our landscape. Many of these mills also have distinctive north-light sheds, where rows of cotton weaving looms were housed.
Recognising that mills are being lost across the country, often with no permanent record of their existence, Historic England commissioned a number of studies. The studies show that, with imagination, textile mills and their weaving sheds can be brought back into viable new uses. These uses provide new and interesting places for people to live, work and visit, whilst retaining their historic character and key features. In Pendle, the Northlight mixed use development is a good example.
Historic information on the mills in Pendle is in the following documents:
- Pendle Textile Mills Study
- Lancashire Textile Mills Survey
- Northern Lights Pennine Lancashire Weaving Shed Study
Design Code
We are working to prepare a Design Code. This Code will help to highlight best practice in the refurbishment and re-use of textile mills and weaving sheds.
Tell us what you think
In summer 2024, consultants Donald Insall asked you what you thought about Pendle’s historic textile mills, why they are special and how you thought they should be reused. Through a mix of public events and online consultation they sought to capture your opinions. They spoke directly with 17 mill owners and engaged with a wide variety of people including council staff, councillors, civic organisations, arts and charitable groups, students, members of the public and developers. Over one hundred tenants of Pendle mills were invited to the public consultation events.
In early 2025, selective consultation and testing with key stakeholders helped to refine the final draft of the Design Code.