WORK on a new multi-million pound livestock market for Malton could start this autumn.

Developers Commercial Development Projects (CDP), in partnership with Malton and Ryedale Farmers Livestock Market Company and Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation, secured planning permission last year for the new agri-business centre and business park on land next to Eden Camp at Old Malton.

Charles Vyvyan, on behalf of CDP, said they were working closely with Ryedale District Council (RDC) and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

"The company expects, subject to an acceleration of the LEP funding awarded towards the scheme, to get on site this autumn to deliver the roundabout, road improvements and other infrastructure necessary to service the livestock market and wider employment land," he said.

“The completion of the roundabout, prior to the occupation of the livestock market, is a planning condition and we think it’s good news that we are expecting to be ahead of schedule in delivering the roundabout, as this allows us to relocate the livestock market quicker.

“The Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation and CDP are actively working up a legal agreement to gift the five acres of land to the Livestock Market Company and also now have S106 monies available to invest, alongside a Local Growth Fund grant via the LEP, to deliver the Eden Camp infrastructure and road improvements.

"Once the livestock market have raised the remainder of the funds, which they are planning to do so by contacting their investors following the harvest season, building can get underway.

“The relocation of the livestock market will mark the first stage of the Food Enterprise Zone at this site – the only one in Yorkshire – following its designation by DEFRA, with support from RDC and the LEP.”

Detailed plans to redevelop Malton’s existing livestock market with a three-storey car park, retail units and public square were approved by s RDC's planning committee last week.

The proposals were given outline approval three years ago on appeal following the earlier refusal of the application.

Roddy Bushell, estate manager for Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, which owns the site, said: “Now everyone is hoping for Malton’s farmers livestock market company to confirm that they have raised sufficient funds and are ready to commit to the relocation proposal.

"In the meantime, the next thing that will happen on the existing livestock market site is the creation of 45 additional parking spaces for the town centre, managed in the same way as Malton’s Market Place with two hours’ free parking.”