A CONSULTATION is being launched on plans to adopt a Local Development Order (LDO) for the Malton Food Enterprise Zone.

The LDO will encourage food and agricultural businesses to set up and grow in the area, alongside the relocated livestock market and potentially an agricultural training facility.

A food enterprise zone (FEZ) is a Government scheme aimed at boosting the economy in the countryside, making it easier for food and farming related businesses to prosper locally.

The site, on the northern edge of Malton, which will be known as Eden Business Park and Food Enterprise Zone, will bring 16,000 square metres of high-quality business park and 7,500 square metres dedicated to an agricultural business park, with potential for the relocated livestock market, agricultural training facility and associated businesses. It is anticipated that 600 direct jobs will be created on the site.

The adoption of the LDO by Ryedale District Council would mean that all customary planning processes that would usually apply to the site are dealt with in one advance procedure. This means that all the plans will be considered together, giving members of the public the opportunity to be consulted and comment on the proposals as a whole.

The public consultation begins on Tuesday, October 25, and will continue until Friday, November 25.

Cllr Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “Tremendous progress has been made on the site since construction started in February, within its existing outline planning permission. This LDO will take us to the next stage, making it easier for food and agricultural businesses to locate on the site and benefit from support and innovation that a food cluster can bring.”