PROPOSALS have been unveiled that could finally secure a cattle market’s long-awaited move out of a town centre and bring hundreds of new homes in return.

Efforts to move the Darlington Farmers Auctions Market (DFAM) from a site on Clifton Road, close to Bank Top Station, to a new, purpose-built site off the A68 at Humbleton Farm, at Burtree Gate, have stalled for several years.

The delay has been partly due to DFAM struggling to raise funds to complete the project, but a deal between Darlington Borough Council, DFAM and other third parties is now close to being agreed that could create a solution.

The agreement would see the council buy 53 acres of land, the majority of which is owned by DFAM, off Neasham Road, opposite The Northern Echo Arena, to potentially build more than 500 homes.

An agreement would also be in place that would see DFAM vacate its Clifton Road site in 18 months from completion of the sale, and would begin operating from Humbleton Farm within the time scale.

The council proposes to develop the land at Neasham Road to provide a mix of properties, but it vows to include an “extensive range” of social and affordable houses.

The purchase of the land at Neasham Road would be subject to legal and financial checks and would be funded through section 106 funds – a pot of money already collected from housing developers to support the building of social housing – the council’s own housing funds, and the proceeds from the sale of other plots of land to developers.

Darlington Auction Mart, which is almost 140-years-old, has been the subject of repeated failed attempts over several decades to relocate it from its town centre site.

Plans to move the mart to an out-of-town complex at Humbleton Farm were first announced in 2006 whilst Ian Williams, director of economic growth at the council, gave his backing to the idea during a public meeting about plans for the auction mart’s future in 2015.

The meeting followed the death of 15-year-old Kyle Hull, who died after falling through a roof at the mart, in similar circumstances to those that claimed the life of 11-year-old Jack Hunter in 1992.

As well as helping to facilitate the relocation of the Cattle Mart from Clifton Road, Mr Williams last night said the new plans will free up land for the delivery of the Bank Top Station upgrade, as well as contributing towards the council’s housing targets.

He also said the plans will only be agreed if the council is satisfied that the ground condition of the Neasham Road land is satisfactory for development.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “Everyone involved with the cattle mart, not to mention residents living nearby, have been keen to see the market move to a much more suitable site for many years.

“The council has worked very hard with DFAM to create this opportunity. It’s been challenging and complex but I believe this is a win-win solution for the Council, DFAM and, above all, the residents.

“By acquiring the land at Neasham Road we can deliver more social and affordable housing for Darlington.

“Furthermore, the Clifton Road site is owned by the council and the site is included as part of the regeneration of Bank Top Station and its surrounding areas.”

Richard Heseltine, finance director at DFAM, said: “The land disposal at Neasham Road to Darlington Borough Council will finally see the Mart succeed in its relocation attempt, which has been attempted previously over many decades.

“The Mart at Humbleton Farm will be able to offer improved services in a modern environment, moving from the town centre location presently occupied”.

Graeme Blenkinsopp, of development land agents Wisemove, has assisted in the process of brokering a deal between numerous parties.

He said: “This has been a complex proposal, but one that is hugely exciting for the borough of Darlington, and be seen as a positive outcome for all associated, directly and indirectly, both now and for many years to come.”

Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet members are to vote on the proposals tomorrow (Tuesday).