NEWTON Abbot's weekly livestock market – for generations a magnet for visitors and the rural community to the town centre – could disappear to make way for more retail development.
Despite the likelihood of 40,000 sq ft of retail space coming on stream in a couple of years with Asda's Wolborough Street redevelopment, consultants commissioned by Teignbridge Council say their provisional findings indicate a need for additional goods floor space up to 2011.
They have identified the livestock market as the preferred option and a report by Cllr Brian Berman, portfolio holder for planning, to consider the potential re-use of the market for retail development, goes before Monday's executive.
The news came as a bolt from the blue for Clive Morgan, a partner in Newton Abbot auctioneers Rendells, who has been delighted recently by the way the market has been successfully recovering after the hammer blow to the farming community of the 2001 foot and mouth crisis.
'It is very disappointing that the council is considering this and it is disheartening because we have been doing so well.
'We have had no consultation and it looks as if someone has just come up with a bright idea.
'I cannot understand why they want any more retail space.
'There are already enough shops in the area and if Asda goes ahead it will add to that.
'It would be a great shame if the livestock market did close and another part of the town centre scene was lost,' said Mr Morgan.
There has been a market in Newton Abbot since the 14th century, and the auctioneers have a licence to use the district authority owned site until 2006/07.
Monday's executive will hear in a report that the cattle market is capable of accommodating the amount of floor space required, has the potential link into Market Walk, thus enhancing the scope for retail provision.
Preliminary investigations had not revealed any overriding constraints, though there were potentially significant road issues, particularly regarding parking and public transport.
A risk analysis warns: 'The scheme could prove to be controversial with the farming community and some town centre interests. Consultation with the town centre partnership group could help to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction.'
The executive is being recommended that consideration of the redevelopment of the livestock market be included with the Local Plan and that the council's project group progress detailed consideration of the site.
Teignbridge Council's media and communications officer, Michelle Kenney, said it should be emphasised that it was purely a proposal for discussion at this stage, given the council's responsibility to continually develop the economic viability of Newton Abbot town and its surrounds.
'Teignbridge Council appreciates fully the significance the cattle market holds for local users and residents and intends to consult widely on the proposal and to consider future provision of a cattle market for Newton Abbot, taking into account the views and comments of all interested parties before full discussion and decision by councillors.'