A MULTI-MILLION pound project for Holsworthy has been given the green light.
Torridge District Council's planning committee has unanimously approved plans for an agri-business centre.
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NEW MARKET: An artist's impression of the agri-business centre at Holsworthy. Images courtesy of Peter Quincey
During the meeting Lewis Andrews, planning executive, said: "This is very much about supporting rural business."
The proposed site is located to the north of Holsworthy on land adjacent to the A388.
The plans include livestock lairage, pens and auction rings, with purpose-built pods in which farm-related enterprises can do business.
Proposed measurements for the main building are 133m by 50m with a height of 6.5m.
Margaret Brown vice chairman of the committee said: "Holsworthy market needs to be re-sited and this is a very good site."
Councillor Howard Ratledge said: "I believe the benefits to the farming community is demonstrated clearly. It outweighs any objections."
Richard Brown, former mayor and town councillor for Holsworthy said: "I am delighted at the news of Holsworthy agri-business centre being given the green light.
"It is a culmination of a great deal of hard work by myself, colleagues and late colleague Desmond Shadrick. It has taken so many years but Desmond would be so pleased.
"The centre is vital for the future of Holsworthy, it will be the main economy driver.
It will guarantee the continuation of business for Holsworthy.
"It will bring a lot of prosperity to both Holsworthy and surrounding areas.
"I applaud the courage Torridge District Council have shown under the leadership of Barry Parsons.
Barry Parsons, leader of Torridge District Council said:
"The agri-business centre project is the largest that Torridge has ever been involved in. I anticipate huge benefits for the local economy.
"However, there is a lot of work to be done first.
"Every aspect of the plan has to be investigated thoroughly before we commit any council taxpayers' money, but I am hopeful we can bring this project to fruition."
The council has started the tender process to appoint a contractor to build the agri-business centre.
The procurement process includes following an OJEU law (Official Journal of the European Union).
This will give contractors in other member states an opportunity to bid for the work.
Subject to full council approval, a contractor could be appointed in November with construction work starting in 2013.
"I believe the benefit to the farming community is demonstrated clearly. It outweighs any objections."
Meat Trade News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers
Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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