Darlington's 130-year-old cattle market is under threat after residents complained it is too noisy.
The town council has issued a noise abatement notice, banning late and early deliveries of animals.
Darlington Farmers Auction Market Ltd (DfAM) says the restrictions will make it impossible for cattle sold to reach abattoirs on the same day.
But a council spokeswoman said the market was in a residential area and some locals were unhappy about noise.
DfAM has appealed against the notice, which says the market must cease the delivery and collection of animals between 9pm and 7am.
Spokesman Neil Mudie said that for the past 50 years cattle have been delivered to the site at Clifton Road in Darlington town centre at about 5am, allowing the animals to be checked in and logged before the sales start.
He said: "The cattle sold at Thursday's sales would leave the market too late to reach the abattoirs the same day.
