The plans moved a crucial step forward after city councillors voted unanimously to manage a private bill through parliament to seek a change in legislation.
The council has a statutory duty to provide a market within the city of Norwich, so it needs to secure a change in law in order to move the market to a location outside of the city boundaries.
During the public consultation ahead of the decision, the council received 349 responses, including 50% from market users and 32% from farmers and members of the NFU.
Strong public support
From the responses received, 73% supported the council’s proposals to secure a new bill for the relocation of the market outside the city boundary.
Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Securing this important vote means we can carry on with our plans to seek legal permission to be able to relocate a new livestock market outside our boundary.
“As the private bill progresses through parliament there is much more work to be done.
“This will involve a rigorous assessment and full business case appraisal on two sites close to the A47 that we have identified as possible relocation alternatives.”
Norwich Livestock Market has been a feature of the city for hundreds of years. The current market has operated from a small site off Hall Road in Norwich since 1960. It now needs investment to improve the facilities it offers and to broaden its business activities.
Key role of livestock farming
The NFU supports the provision of a livestock market for NFU members that is in a suitable location. In evidence to the council, it highlighted the key role that livestock farming plays in Norfolk and the importance of a livestock market in the area, both to farmers in Norfolk and Suffolk and in neighbouring counties.
NFU Regional Director Zoe Leach said: “It’s vital that farmers can access a successful, vibrant livestock market. It’s important for farm businesses, the rural economy and a landscape shaped by grazing livestock.”