Listed building's future to be decided in November

Shotton Hall dates back to the mid-18th century

The future of a Grade II listed building that was put up for sale by a town council will be decided next month.

Peterlee Town Council announced in September it had made "the difficult decision" to put Shotton Hall, near Peterlee, County Durham, on the market.

A review concluded it could not keep ownership of the mid-18th Century building, which hosts weddings and conferences, "without major investment", which it could not afford.

The council confirmed there had been a lot of interest in the site both nationally and locally.

It said it was considering offers and would make a decision about the future of the building in November.

Shotton Hall was built in 1760 as a family home and is currently used for council meetings, as well as events.

Over the past year, the council had been working to find alternative community uses that would retain public ownership of the building.

However, it said in September the process had not come to "a suitable and sustainable conclusion".

Ian Hall, town clerk of the council, said at the time it had been "an incredibly difficult decision".

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

He added the council had explored "all possible alternatives", but the financial situation meant "the best course of action is to test the current market to see if a viable solution can be found through a potential sale".