PLANS to improve the exterior of a pub in one of Darlington's historic yards have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

Listed Building Consent for repairs and redecoration of the pub frontage and windows is required for the Quakerhouse Pub in Mechanic's Yard, Darlington.

The works include the repainting of the guardrail to the basement and rainwater goods; the replacement of two first-floor windows; installation of two coach lights; two blackboards; one signboard; one hanging sign and two hardwood shelves; replacement of two timber storage containers and relocation of existing CCTV.

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Mechanic’s Yard is the next alleyway south of Clarks Yard which runs east to west between High Row and Skinnergate.

The entrance to Mechanic’s Yard from High Row is via an archway or undercroft between 8 High Row and Binn’s department store.

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The yard is denoted by a hanging sign in the same style as those at the entrance to Clark’s and Buckton’s.

The Quakerhouse is grade II listed, with the listing description as follows: "Late C17 or early C18 low two-storey, three-window house. Very high-pitched roof renewed in modern ridged tiles with end chimneys partly rebuilt. Front of modern stucco with incised lines. Sash windows mostly with glazing bars. Two horizontal sliding sash windows on the first floor. Four-panel door in modern surround."

The architectural interest of Mechanic’s Yard including the grade II listed numbers 2 and 3, lie in the materials used in construction and characterful historic fixtures.

The yard is paved with large stone flags, and numbers 2 and 3 form an interesting visual distinction from the grand Georgian and Victorian architecture seen on High Row.

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Mechanic’s Yard is characterised by smaller two-storey structures with vernacular features including box and Yorkshire sash windows.

Mechanic’s Yard holds historic interest as it is illustrative of how the built development between Skinnergate and High Row formed, leaving access routes through the shops and their associated outbuildings.

The proposals are part of a wider scheme of yard improvements currently being undertaken by Darlington Brough Council and it is considered that the proposals will conserve the character of the wider Town Centre Conservation Area.