Ambitious plans for cattle market
Ambitious plans to transform Hailsham's historic livestock market into a state-of-the-art 'rural business centre' have been unveiled.
Under the plans, the market would move to a new 10-acre site to the west of the A22 near the Diplocks roundabout.
The Hailsham Market Action Group (HMAG) has taken out a two-year option to purchase the land at an agreed fixed price.
The group says it will develop a business plan and seek outline planning permission for the market's potential new home.
If approved, it could mean a market café, veterinary centre, country store and other associated rural business units sitting alongside an enlarged livestock market.
Campaigners have been working to relocate the market to an alternative site since supermarket Aldi purchased the Hailsham Cattle Market Company more than two years ago.
However the move was thrown into doubt in November when Aldi's plans for a store on the existing site were thrown out by Wealden District Council.
HMAG chairman Phil Hook, of Longley's Farm, Hailsham, said a new state-of-the-art facility is vital for the local farming community.
He said, "The future of Hailsham market, and the farmers who depend on it, looks much more secure in the long term and we look forward to receiving great support for this exciting relocation."
Supporters say a new market would allow operators to meet the highest standards of animal welfare and provide improved facilities for users.
A consultation with local authorities at county, district, town and parish levels will take place once the business plan is complete to ensure widespread support for the relocation and its objectives.
Aldi has pledged to continue supporting the group in meeting some of the costs involved with the outline planning application for the new site.
A new cattle market and rural business centre could be built on the new site within two to three years, campaigners said.
Wealden councillor David White, an advisor to the HMAG, believes the plans are 'an exciting concept'.
He told the Gazette, "The site occupies a prominent position on one of the main gateways into the town.
