New out-of-town Newton Abbot Livestock market! Plans underway

Plans for a new livestock market and agricultural business park facility are currently being developed for a site close to the A38 at Drumbridges, on the outskirts of Newton Abbot.

The partners working on the scheme are hoping the improved facilities and better transport links will prove a real boost to livestock traders.

A new farmer’s cooperative is being formed to help lead the project and bring it to fruition. It is also hoped that the proposed livestock market could form the catalyst for an agricultural based business park which will serve the wider South Devon area and help to develop and strengthen South Devon’s reputation for quality farming produce.

Talks are currently underway with site owners Sibelco through their development partners Arnold White Estates, and it is anticipated that a planning application could be submitted later this year. 

Cllr David Corney-Walker said:

“This is an exciting and ambitious scheme which has the potential to make a huge difference to local farmers who are keen to strengthen their businesses and reach new customers.

“The existing cattle market in the town centre is sadly coming to the end of its useful working life, and in recent years there has been a decline in the throughput of livestock. There are a number of reasons for this, including the emergence of more modern facilities in neighbouring counties and an increase in direct farm sales.

“We’re working alongside local farmers to help them deliver something they want – a new, improved market with the potential for a bigger agricultural business park development.”

Local farmer and farmers’ representative Ed Williams said:

''This is an exciting opportunity for Livestock Producers throughout the South Devon area to secure a marketing site beside one of the main transport links in the South West.

“This will come with a 100 year lease which gives security and control of a marketing site for generations.

“With modern efficient infrastructure and good access, this site will open up new markets and opportunities, also helping to promote the good livestock produced in the South Devon area.”

A council spokesman added: “If the intended site for the new livestock market, or an alternative, is secured it would also mean that plans for town centre regeneration in Newton Abbot would take a big step forward.  The existing livestock market is situated in a prime location between the multi-storey car park and ASDA, where there could be real potential to expand the town’s retail offering and bring in new stores.  A draft regeneration plan for the town was consulted on with the public and local partners in the summer of 2010, identifying 18 projects which could help boost the local economy and improve the town over 10 years.  With a predicted growth in population on the horizon, it is anticipated that new stores, homes and offices will be required to keep the town thriving in the future.”

The plans for the new livestock market come hot on the heels of a £1M land deal at Bradley Lane Industrial Estate in the town, which saw Teignbridge Council purchase three properties covering 3.5 acres. The council says that over time the move will enable the regeneration of the area, with the potential to replace old buildings with new workplaces, offices and homes, to improve the quality of the roads in the area and the exposed leat, and to improve and extend foot and cycle paths along the River Lemon.