A green light was signalled by cross-party councillors today (15 Oct) after a unanimous vote means the council can progress plans to seek legal consent to relocate Norwich’s Livestock Market.
This critical vote means the council can continue with its plans to manage a private bill through parliament to seek a change in legislation.
While the change to law would remove the current legal restriction of the council having to provide a livestock market within its boundary, there remains a legal duty on the council to provide and maintain a livestock market.
The parliamentary journey to seek a change in the law is expected to take up to 12 months.
Norwich's livestock market has been trading on its current site close to Hall Road since the 1960s and is now one of the last trading markets within East Anglia.
The council is leaseholder of the 3.25 acre site and is responsible for most of the repair liability. Detailed survey work has shown that the repair work is extensive, reflecting the age of the facility and the need to introduce modern biosecurity and animal welfare standards which all markets must comply with.
Work includes the demolition of a former auction building, removal of asbestos across the site, refurbishment of the current auction building and major work to the parking areas and roadways. The repair work required is expected to cost up to £3m.
Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Securing this important vote means we can carry on with our plans to seek legal permission to be able to relocate a new livestock market outside our boundary.
“As the private bill progresses through parliament there is much more work to be done.
“This will involve a rigorous assessment and full business case appraisal on two sites close to the A47 that we have identified as possible relocation alternatives.”
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