A LONG-awaited plan for a new home for a major livestock market has been the go-ahead after a leader of the multi-million pound scheme said it would benefit the local economy - and create some 800 new jobs.

After being located in the centre of Malton for more than 80 years, the market is now set to move to a prime site near the junctions of the A64 Scarborough to Leeds road and the A169 road to Pickering.

As well as the livestock market, the 18-hectare site will include a business park for agricultural enterprises, a satellite of Bishop Burton College, and a retail complex for the sale of farm machinery .

The scheme is being promoted by Commercial Development Projects (CDP) and the Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation, members of Ryedale District Council's planning committee were told.

Derek Watson, one of seven directors of a new company set up to progress the new market, said the existing market was already one of the largest in the North.

"We want a chance to build on its current success. A new market will enhance not only Malton but the whole of Ryedale because it will attract more farmers and buyers,” he said.

The committee also approved three major housing schemes in the Malton area, put forward by CDP and Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation, to aid the funding of the market site complex scheme, which is estimated to cost some £17m.