A MULTIMILLION-pound development which will create hundreds of jobs and secure the future of Malton’s livestock market is set to receive planning approval this week.

First unveiled last year, the project includes an interlinked package of development proposals which will provide for the relocation of the livestock market move to a new Agri Business Centre and Business Park on land beside Eden Camp, Old Malton, creating around 800 to 1,000 new jobs and attracting investment of around £20million into the district,

The development will, in part, be funded by residential development on land at land at Westgate, Old Malton, and Pasture Lane, the Showfield site, and land at Rainbow Lane at Peasey Hills in Malton, which are also recommended for approval at an extraordinary meeting of Ryedale District Council's planning committee tomorrow (Thursday).

The application, which includes a new roundabout on the Edenhouse Road and A169 junction, was submitted by Commercial Development Projects, in partnership with Malton and Ryedale Farmers Livestock Market Company and Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation, in April.

Landlords of the existing livestock market site, the Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estate have secured planning consent to redevelop the site.

In a report, head of planning Gary Housden, said the current operation was subject to a short rolling lease with no security of tenure, therefore an alternative site and a modern, purpose-built facility was therefore required to protect the market.

"I would therefore strongly support this application , which is of strategic importance to Ryedale's economy, agricultural sector and community, and which is closely linked to the promotion of agri-tech as the growth sector for this LEP area," he added.

The council has received 38 objection letters raising concerns over risk of flooding, loss of agricultural land, and alternative markets elsewhere. The 58 of support said there was a clear need for a new livestock market and as a 'food capital' Malton needed modern facilities for the 21st century.

Also recommended for approval is 227 houses on the former showfield in Pasture Lane, Malton despite concerns from the town council over the effect the number of new homes will have on the transport network and sewerage system.

Both the other two housing developments are on a smaller scale and would see 35 houses built on a site near Westgate, Old Malton and 50 affordable homes - with between one and four bedrooms - built near Peasey Hills to fulfil the affordable housing requirements for all three sites in one location.

Charles Vyvyan, from Commercial Development Projects, said: "We have spent a lot of time and effort working on these plans to ensure they deliver the maximum benefits to Malton and the wider area.

“The proposals will bring hundreds of new jobs to the town, secure the long term future of the livestock market, as well as offering much needed new housing. This is a massive investment and vote of confidence in Malton and we have been very encouraged by the levels of support we have received throughout the town and community.”

Pat Foxton, Chairman of the Livestock Market Company, added: "Gaining outline planning approval is the first step to getting the new market up and running. If we secure this, then we can start to draw up detailed plans and work on the finer details.

"The Livestock Market is integral to the town and provides a major boost to the local economy. We have been working closely with all stakeholders involved in order to provide this vital local asset with a secure long-term future. Having a successful market is essential to Malton's heritage and also its future success."