AN “iconic” Bingley building is likely to be demolished after councillors were advised to approve its sale to developers.

Once used as a training college, the 19th Century Priesthorpe building, on Mornington Road, has been largely empty since 2002, suffering from neglect to the point where the building was judged to have “nil” value by a property consultant.

For years Bingley residents and local politicians have called for something to be done with the crumbling building.

Last year the council agreed to market it, and at a meeting of the Regulatory and Appeals Committee on Thursday members will be told that there have been two offers made for the building. They have been advised to approve the sale of the party to “interested party D” - not named in the report.

A report to the committee says both the interested parties “envisage that the property is demolished and the site redeveloped to provide 7 x 4 bed town houses.”

The building is held by the Council as a Trustee of the former Bingley Science Arts and Technical School. A condition of the ownership is that it can only be used for “educational objectives which benefit both children and adults of Bingley.” If sold, the Council will be asked to find a use for the proceeds of benefit education in Bingley.

The report to members details how the building came to be in such a state, saying: “In April 2009, it is believed in anticipation of the proposed demolition of the building, the roof tiles/slates were removed by the Council’s Estates service.”

It says that although a temporary roof was put in place, this was “insufficient” to prevent water damage over the subsequent years, and adds: “The property has fallen into significant disrepair and is now believed to be perhaps beyond economic and physical repair.”

In 2014 Mark Brearley and Company property consultants valued the building has having “nil” value, as restoring it would cost so much. They estimated the plot of land the building stands on could be worth up to £225,000 if cleared.

Among those who have called for something to be done with the building is Ros Dawson, Chair of Bingley Town Council.

After reading the report on the building’s possible sale, she told the Telegraph & Argus: “There has been so much concern about this building by so many people over so many years. It is a magnificent, iconic building, and it is terrible it has been allowed to get into such a state that demolition is now the only option.

“I’ll be going to the meeting next week and ask for reassurances that the developers the plan to sell it to are credible and will do a good job with the site. There are so many people really working hard to improve the town and surrounding villagers, and I hope any new owners act responsible and deliver a quality scheme that enhances the area. Any proceeds of the sale must benefit the people of Bingley.”

The committee will meet in City Hall at 10am on Thursday.