HERITAGE experts have reluctantly backed plans to move a historic cattle market 26 miles away.

Councillors will be advised to approve a proposal to build 15 homes on the site of 130-year-old Tow Law Auction Mart, in County Durham when they meet on Thursday.

Officials have already agreed to allow the mart to be moved to Cross Lanes Farm, near Barnard Castle, where it will be re-built as part of a visitor attraction.

Durham County Council’s design and conservation department said it had explored the option of keeping the mart in Tow Law, but because there was “no likelihood of the mart being brought back into use, and given its ever deteriorating state, a new use and site must be found for the building”.

Planning officer Sinead Turnbull said the principle of homes on the site had already been set after approval was given in 2007 to build 13 houses next to the mart.

She said the development would “represent effective and efficient use of brownfield land”.

English Heritage has reluctantly agreed to support moving the cattle market and does not object to the three and four-bedroom homes.

A spokesman said: “The removal of the building from its historic location would have a harmful impact upon its significance.

“However, as a position of last resort, this course of action is in preference to the building’s total loss.

“It is against this background, but with some regret, that English Heritage has accepted the dismantling and reconstruction.”

In a statement to the committee, developer McInerney Homes, which has already built a housing estate around the mart, said the site had been the subject of much local interest since its closure.

A spokesman said: “Strong opinion was voiced from residents and councillors for the demolition of the mart, which was seen as an ugly blight on an improving Tow Law landscape and there was considered to be little or no merit in its retention.”

The mart was built in 1882 and used until its closure in 2005. The site, which was given Grade II-listed status in 1987, has since become semi derelict.

The meeting at Spennymoor Council offices starts at 2pm on Thursday.