A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the now Darlington Farmers Auction Mart on Clifton Road, close to Bank Top Station.

In summer of 2018 a deal was agreed that would see Darlington Farmers Auction Market moved to a purpose-built site at Humbleton Farm, at Burtree Gate, near Heighington

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

Last year the mart was thrown into turmoil as Durham Constabulary began an investigation into allegations of ‘financial irregularities’ which saw the then managing director Andrew Armstrong under investigation and removed from the board of shareholders.

No further action was taken however due to evidential difficulties.

In February a Darlington Borough Council agreed that the site should be demolished as soon as possible due to anti-social behaviour and health and safety concerns.

There has been numerous vandalism and trespassing in the buildings along with drug abuse in the immediate vicinity of the site.

As well as this, asbestos building materials feature extensively across the site and the shed roofs are fragile corrugated asbestos sheeting.

Funding has been released by the Darlington Borough Council Cabinet to fund the demolition and a masterplan for long-term use of the site, which will involve consultation with residents and the wider council

It is expected that a consultation team will be appointed in Summer 2020 to carry out the master plan.

The plan includes the erection of hoarding around the perimeter of the site to be used for advertising.