A historic County Durham hall will be sold off by a council after it admitted that it had taken the 'difficult decision' to look for a new owner for the venue.

Peterlee Town Council has revealed that it will place Shotton Hall on the sale market in the future after a review and consultation about keeping the hall in its ownership. 

According to a review of the viability of the council retaining ownership carried out in 2023, it concluded that this would "not be possible without major investment, which the council couldn’t afford".

Over the past 12 months the council has been working with the Plunkett Foundation, specialists in developing and supporting community businesses, to consult and engage with residents to try to identify alternative community uses that would retain public ownership of the building.

Shotton Hall, which dates back to 1760, is currently used as a historical site to visit and also holds meetings for Peterlee Town Council.

Shotton HallShotton Hall (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

However, the council has said that this has not come to a "suitable and sustainable conclusion".

In a statement, the Council said that "many residents will be disappointed that the building is being put up for sale, but the Council is keen that any future use should benefit and continue to be an asset for the town and its residents".

Alongside the review, the council has said that the historic building has reached a point where significant repairs are required, which the council can't sustain without compromising other services and obligations it has.

Town Clerk of Peterlee Town Council, Ian Hall, said: "This has been an incredibly difficult decision for the Council.

"We fully understand the sentimental value and historical importance of Shotton Hall to the residents of Peterlee.

"Over the past year, we have worked closely with the Plunkett Foundation, engaged with the local community, and explored all possible alternatives.

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"Unfortunately, the financial realities we face mean that the best course of action is to test the current market to see if a viable solution can be found through a potential sale."

The Council has thanked those who got involved in the consultation - and hopes that the future of Shotton Hall is preserved moving forward.

The council added that "the decision to sell Shotton Hall has not been taken lightly.

"The Council remains committed to ensuring that any future use of the building will benefit the town and its residents.

"Potential buyers will be encouraged to recognise the historical significance of Shotton Hall and to consider its role within the community when proposing future developments."

Further information regarding the sale process and how interested parties can express their interest will be released in due course, according to the council.