The demolition of a historic Darlington building has been hit by delays and the discovery of a cannabis farm inside. 

The was a large police presence at 2 Raby Terrace last week following reports that the site had been taken over by criminals. 

The 19th-century building is part of plans to create new houses, flats, and shops in the town centre. 

The proposal involved the demolition of buildings at 13/18 Skinnergate and 2 Raby Terrace to create 15 houses and flats and three retail units. Plans for the housing scheme and demolition of the buildings were approved in 2021 but have faced delays due to the historical complexities of the site. 

Yet, Darlington Borough Council has confirmed it still intends to complete the project. 

The Raby Terrace building, listed as a non-designated heritage asset, is part of the former British and Foreign School. The building is understood to have been the first home of the school, which was founded by the Quakers. In Darlington, the funding for the school came from the Pease family and holds a high level of significance to the area. 

Historic England said losing the Raby Terrace building would be a loss to the significance of the conservation area.  

But the council argued it had been unoccupied for several years and contains few original historical features. 

“The retention of the building would have a negative impact upon the proposed scheme, in terms of bringing forward a local authority affordable housing scheme in a highly sustainable location,” a planning report said. 

The council says the development is part of its town centre regeneration plansThe council says the development is part of its town centre regeneration plans (Image: The Northern Echo)

Planning officers also considered commemorating the role the building played in the historic and community history of Darlington, its Quaker roots, and the development of national education during the 19th century. 

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Public art or a plaque was suggested as a way of historical interpretation as part of the local history trail for the area. There are also strong connections to the nearby Quaker burial ground, mechanics institute, and the Quaker Meeting House buildings on Skinnergate. 

A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson said: “Initial work has already begun; this must be done in a careful and staged way to comply with the approvals and agreements that are in place. 

“The initial work is focused on stabilising the historic building at 12 Skinnergate. Once that work is complete, the wider demolition can progress, which includes 2 Raby Terrace.”