Louth Cattle Market in line for refurbishment

East Lindsey Disrtrict Council’s Executive Board is recommending the refurbishment of the Louth Cattle Market following a recent public consultation.

Currently, the council is legally bound to provide the town with a cattle market due to a charter which dates back to the 16th century.

At the meeting on September 27, the board agreed to recommend to the council when it meets on October 11, that the council withdraws from the sale of the livestock market site and works up a refurbishment scheme.

Photo: Louth Cattle Market/ DELPIX

As previously reported, three options were been put on the table for the market’s future. They were then taking to public consultation. Options included:

• The market would be sold to East Lindsey District Council’s selected bidder ADV Parternship, which would then see the market transformed into a retail-led development site. A new livestock facility would then be built at the cost of between £4 million and £5 million.
• The council would seek a Private Act of Parliament to remove the current obligation the council has to provide a ‘beast market’ in Louth. This would mean that the existing cattle market could be sold and the council would not need to replace the site.
• The council could withdraw ADV Partnership as the selected bidder and developer and refurbish the building at a cost of £700,000. However, in doing so the building would lose its sale value and would mean it couldn’t be redeveloped.

Photo: Louth Cattle Market/ DELPIX

Portfolio Holder for Rural Economy and Market Towns, Councillor Adam Grist, said: “In recent weeks I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the future of the livestock market with many farmers and residents and am of the view that the recommendation being put to council is positive for the economy of Louth and the wider farming community.”

A final decision will be made on October 11.