TALKS are being planned between the Fitzwilliam Estate and the Malton and Ryedale Farmers Livestock Market Company Ltd, with the aim of progressing the multi-million pound scheme to build a new livestock market on the edge of the town.

The lease on the present 80-year-old market is due to expire in July, said Pat Foxton, the group chairman.

“We need an extension of between six to nine months on the site,” he said.

“Negotiation is the best way forward.”

The aim, he said, was to secure an extension of the present lease at the market until the replacement is built.

The new livestock plan will give the Malton area’s employment and economy security “for 200 years”, Mr Foxton said.

“It will be a marvellous asset for the whole of Ryedale, especially with Bishop Burton College’s presence in the complex.”

Overall, said Mr Foxton, the aim is to create a smaller version of the successful Thirsk Auction Mart and Agricultural Centre where Askham Bryan have part of the complex along with a number of agricultural businesses and organisations.

The £17m plan for the new site, close to the junction of the A64 and A169, near Eden Camp, has been submitted to Ryedale District Council by Commercial Development Projects, the

Farmers Livestock Market Company and Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation.

The authority’s planning committee is expected to make a decision on it later this summer.

Meetings are to be held in the next couple of weeks with the Fitzwilliam Estate.

A business park will be created as part of the new livestock market scheme and housing schemes put forward for 300 homes on land at the Showfield, Old Malton and Peasey Hill to help fund it.