Newton Abbot Livestock Market could move to the outskirts of Ashburton.

The site, part of a nine-and-a-half-acre field at Peartree, is next to the old A38 with easy access to the Devon Expressway.

This week it was confirmed that Rendells and Sawdye & Harris, the two auctioneer firms operating the market, had decided to make a planning application to the Dartmoor National Park Authority for the Ashburton land.

A spokesman said they had had discussions with Teignbridge Council about the proposals.

He said that for some time the auctioneers were aware that the local authority was planning town centre alterations, which – combined with proposals for the expansion of the town to a large urban area – had prompted them to look for a site for a replacement market.

'They have been assessing various sites in Teignbridge, believing that it is important to retain a market in the area for the benefit of the community, and they consider the most suitable available is Peartree.

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