A PLANNING application for a multi-million-pound cattle market will be lodged within the next fortnight, it has been announced.

Developers want to create a £17m livestock market and equestrian centre on a 70-acre site at Humbleton Farm, off the A68, about two miles from Darlington, to replace the 130- year-old town centre mart.

Proposals for the development, which could create up to 300 jobs, are expected to include a biogas plant to convert animal waste and other organic matter into electricity.

This would make the complex one of the most environmentally- friendly as it would be completely powered by waste. The biogas plant would also produce liquid fertilizer, which would be available cheaply to farmers in the area.

The Humbleton Farm development aims to become a one-stop shop for the rural community, with services and businesses geared towards the agricultural population.

As well as a livestock market and equestrian centre, the complex plans to let space to businesses associated with agriculture and also house a conference centre and exhibition, as well as a restaurant.

Proposals for the cattle mart’s move to Humbleton Farm were revealed by The Northern Echo in 2006.

Residents have had longstanding issues with Clifton Road cattle mart, in a residential area, complaining of problems associated with noise, smell and parking.

Earlier this year, the mart won a court battle with Darlington Borough Council to quash a council noise abatement order which could have forced its closure by restricting times of deliveries and collections.

Linlathen Developments, which is managing the project on behalf of Darlington Farmers’ Auction Market, said the plans were expected to be ready for submission within two weeks.

A statement from Linlathan said: “The centre, which would create about 300 full-time jobs, would remove the present market from the centre of Darlington and place it in a rural setting.

“At present, residents in the area of the market are disturbed by its activities and there is considerable traffic disruption. A planning application will be lodged within the next two weeks.”