PLANS have been submitted to demolish a derelict former council school building in Bishop Auckland.

The education offices on Kingsway, have stood empty for the past four years and has been a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour ever since.

Although plans have not been submitted yet for future development on the site, applicant Brian Robinson, of Coundon, makes reference to wanting to build new residential flats in his supporting notes if demolition is given the go-ahead.

He believes refurbishing the building is not a viable option.

The building, itself also the former St Anne’s School, is next to the former King James I Grammar School building, where comic actor Stan Laurel, was a pupil from 1902 to 1903.

Both buildings have suffered from arson attacks in recent years, and concerns have been raised about the negative impact on the surrounding area.

Rats have also been spotted running about on the former Durham County Council site.

The former education offices also lie next to Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, where members are backing the demolition proposal.

In a letter to planning officers from the club, backing for demolition is given due to the poor condition of the site, vandalism and improvements will enhance the area.

In the application, Mr Robinson states: “From the road the buildings look in reasonable condition, once on the site that all changes. There has been vandalism at a high level.”

He adds: "It is not fair on the people that live on South Church Road facing these derelict buildings. St Anne’s School should not be allowed to follow the same route as that of the King James I Grammar School.

“It is no good for anyone that this building stands empty, no good for the people opposite, no good for me the owner of the site and no good for Durham County Council, who are not receiving any income from the rateable value of the site.”

A decision on demolition will be made at a later date.