Councillors in Norwich have unanimously voted to move forward with plans to relocate the city’s livestock market out of the council boundary.
A Norwich City Council meeting on December 18 voted to look at options for the market which has been on a site near Hall Road since the 1960s.
However, it will require a change in the law since the council is currently legally obliged both to provide a livestock market and to host it within its area.
An amendment to the 1984 act, which requires the location to be in the council area, is likely to be achieved by way of a new private bill which could take up to 12 months.
As leaseholder of the current 3.25 acre site, the council is responsible for most of the repair liability. Detailed surveys have shown required repair work is extensive – including demolition of a former auction building, asbestos removal across the site, refurbishing the current auction building and major work to the parking areas and roads.
That work is expected to cost up to £3 million, limiting further investment in the site.
Cllr Mike Stonard, leader of the council, said: “This ringing endorsement means we can continue with our plans to get legal permission to relocate the market. The livestock market makes a significant and valued contribution to the local economy and supports a whole range of livelihoods connected to it.
“We are now in the process of looking at alternative sites that will better suit the modern day demands of all those who depend on us to provide such an important facility.”
Image: Google.
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