A POPULAR West Cumbrian auction company is set to relocate from the centre of Cockermouth following a decision from Cumberland Council.

Mitchells have said that due to the auction houses profile 'increasing dramtically' over the past 20 years, the decision has been made to try and move the fine art and auction side of the company alongside the livestock branch of the business on the outskirts of the town.

An outline application for a new building to house Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Auction business was submitted for Lakeland Livestock Centre, Lakeland Agricultural Centre, Cockermouth has been granted by Cumberland Council last Tuesday, April 25.

Documents supporting the application said: "The company has steadily evolved over the last 140 years and in 2002 relocated its Livestock and Land Agency Divisions to what is now known as The Lakeland Livestock Centre on the outskirts of Cockermouth to enable the firm to expand.

"This made way for Sainsbury’s supermarket to be built in the town centre whose building design reflects some of the features of the original livestock auction mart on the site.

"Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Auctions remains in Cockermouth town centre and operates from a Victorian building and warehousing.

"The saleroom has increased it’s profile dramatically over the last twenty years and, having been elected to join SOFAA (The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers), is regarded as Cumbria’s leading antiques and fine art auction house. Membership of SOFAA coincided with the firm’s record sale of just over £655,000."

At the time the application was submitted in early March of this year, town councillors in Cockermouth encouraged the company to not let the auction house in the town centre become empty.

Moving out could have a "derogatory effect" on the town, said Cllr Alan Smith.

"It's been there for over 100 years and brings so many people into town," he said.

"If it moves up there it might blossom but my fear is it would be a downward step for footfall in the town."

When plans were submitted, Director and auctioneer Mark Wise said the success of their 12 business units had prompted the company to explore possibilities for future expansion, he said: "We are looking into all possibilities for the future and expanding all or any businesses"