Supermarket scheme at heart of market town back on agenda

Controversial plans to build a supermarket in the heart of a North Yorkshire market town have been revived after a planning inspector last year ordered a rethink of the proposals.

The new plans are set to be submitted by a developer as further details of separate proposals were unveiled for a replacement livestock market for the town which it is proposed would be built together with an industrial estate and around 300 houses.

Inspector David Wildsmith last year ruled Ryedale District Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a superstore on Wentworth Street car park in Malton was flawed, a move that meant the application must be reconsidered by the authority.

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When the Wentworth Street car park agreement was backed councillors also turned down an application from the Fitzwilliam estate to build on the site of Malton Livestock Market. A planning inquiry was held after the estate challenged the council’s decision to deny it permission to build retail units on Malton Livestock Market.

GMI Holbeck has claimed that the development on the Wentworth Street car park is vital to ensure that Malton can compete with rival retail destinations. However, opponents fear the arrival of the superstore will spell the end for many of Malton’s independent traders, amid warnings the fabric of a centuries-old market town risks being destroyed.

Yesterday GMI Holbeck Land confirmed it has drawn-up amended plans which include three hours free parking and a public piazza.

Ian Barraclough, of GMI Holbeck Land, claimed the proposals would benefit Malton and Norton to attract shoppers from all over Ryedale.

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Mr Wildsmith’s decision meant the application by the Fitzwilliam estate to knock down the existing livestock market and redevelop the site was granted outline planning permission, subject to conditions being agreed.

As a consequence of the planning inspector’s ruling proposals have also been drawn up to build a replacement livestock market, as part of a redevelopment scheme at Eden Camp.

Commercial Development Project, Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation and The Malton and Ryedale Farmers’ Livestock 
Market Company Limited are inviting local people to view and discuss the plans for a relocated market.

The proposals include:

The relocation of the livestock market to new purpose-built premises at the heart of a new agricultural business centre on land adjacent Eden Camp, off the A64.

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The creation of a new business park on land adjacent Eden Camp.

Building around 220 new homes on land to the north of Pasture Lane, Malton, about 25-30 on land to the south of Westgate, Old Malton and 40-60, including affordable homes, on land to the north of Green Lane, Malton.

It is envisaged the development at Eden Camp, including a new livestock market, agricultural business centre and business park would create over 600 jobs.

Linda Cowling, the leader of Ryedale District Council. said: “The District Council has been in a range of discussions regarding the relocation of Malton’s Livestock Market and I am pleased to see a planning application come forward that would move the market to a new purpose-built site.

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“Importantly, this package of development would also deliver two new business parks, with hundreds of new jobs, together with new housing, including affordable housing for local people.”

The public exhibition will take place from 10am-4pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday at Cundalls Auctioneers Boardroom, at the rear of Market Place, Malton.

Subject to comments received during the consultation, it is planned an application to relocate the market will be submitted early next year.

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