Livestock market plans move ahead

Welshpool's livestock market would be relocated if the plans go ahead

Plans to redevelop one of the largest livestock markets in Europe have been backed "in principle" by councillors in Montgomeryshire.

The development would see a large supermarket, cafe and retail units built on the site of Welshpool's mart.

As part of the deal, developers could fund local projects costing around £150,000.

A decision will be taken by the full planning committee of Powys Council later in January.

The proposals for the 70,000 sq ft (6,500 sq m) site were being considered by the council's Montgomeryshire planning sub-committee, as part of the consultation into the project.

A spokesman said it was an opportunity for local county councillors to "air their views" on the development, and the scheme had been "backed in principle" by the meeting.

As part of the plans, the current livestock market would be relocated less than a mile away from its town centre site to the outskirts at Buttington Cross.

It is the largest one-day market of its type in Wales and attracts hundreds of farmers to its main weekly sale on Mondays.