PLANS for the redevelopment of a North Yorkshire town’s livestock market have now been submitted to the local authority.

The scheme would see the mart at Malton replaced with four retail units, including a supermarket. There would also be an area of public open space and a three-storey car-park.

The Fitzwilliam Estate, which owns the site, says two consultations with residents and businesses in the town revealed a show of local support for the development The estate’s agents, GVA, said: “The proposal aims to provide a high-quality new retail development which extends the existing town centre, increases choice and acts to promote Malton as a shopping destination.

“It will bring significant benefits to Malton, supporting the vitality and viability of the existing town centre. The proposals will provide a retail anchor, drawing shoppers to Malton and helping to claw back existing retail spend from outside Ryedale.

“Architecturally, the proposal has been designed to be in keeping with the traditional scale and urban environment of Malton.”

Ryedale District Council is expected to reach its decision on the application in July.

*A committee set up to analyse the future of the livestock market is currently looking at four sites where it could be based, with the cost of setting it up elsewhere potentially being £2.5m.