Business leaders back retail scheme at livestock market

BUSINESS leaders have claimed blueprints to transform Malton’s centuries-old livestock market site with a new retail scheme will help the town weather the retail sector crisis.

A planning application has been submitted by the Fitzwilliam Estate to Ryedale District Council to create a retail development on the site of the livestock market.

A decision by the council is expected this summer and if the plans are approved, it would represent a massive step forward in the long-running saga over the future of the livestock market.

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A shortlist of sites has been drawn up by a committee of land-owners, farmers and business owners who are overseeing the market’s relocation, with the preferred location on the edge of Malton.

The Malton and Norton Business in Action’s chairman, Denys Townsend, who runs the Linton Pet Shop on Malton’s Market Place, claimed the re-development would help counter the national downturn in trade that the retail sector is experiencing.

He added: “It is extremely pleasing that the estate has lodged the application, and we the prospect of a new retail development in the centre of Malton is an exciting prospect.

“This would provide a new scheme that would help boost trade without having a negative effect on the existing businesses and the heritage of the town.

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“It will help encourage the small retail sector, and proves that there is the chance for regeneration schemes in market towns despite the difficulties currently being experienced in the retail sector.”

The plans would see the existing market demolished and replaced with four retail units, including a food store, as well as up to 200 car parking spaces.

The Fitzwilliam Estate, which has owned much of Malton town centre for the past 300 years, has claimed that the re-development of the market would encourage the “vitality and viability” of the town centre.

A public exhibition which was held last month saw the public give 49 votes in favour, eight in favour with reservations and only one against.

Ryedale District Council has faced criticism from traders over plans for a rival scheme to build a supermarket on the edge of the town at the Wentworth Street car park site.

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