Green light given for multi-million agri-business centre in Torridge

Plans to develop the Holsworthy agri-business centre with £7.3million of government cash will be taken forward after councillors gave it their seal of approval.

On Monday (December 8) at the full meeting of Torridge District Council it was agreed to progress plans to develop land next to the thriving livestock market on New Market Road.

The centre would focus on agricultural innovation, retail and professional spaces. The livestock market at Holsworthy is already one of the largest in the South West and the funding would be used to develop the infrastructure for extra retail and professional space around the site.

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At a meeting in September councillors heard the market brought in farmers from Cornwall to Somerset but there was nothing else there and it needed additional offerings to bring the most benefits to the town and area.

Speaking at that meeting, Holsworthy district councillor Lyndon Piper said the agri-business centre was ‘essential’ for the region and had been on the cards for a long time, but it had been stalled for more than 10 years.

Above: A layout of where the new agri-business centre would go in Holsworthy. Credit: TDC

Earlier this year the project alongside 11 other programmes across Torridge received a share of the £20.7 million funding from the government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Scheme. 

Councillor Ken James, council leader, said: “I am delighted that councillors gave their support at full council last night to moving forward towards developing the land surrounding the Holsworthy cattle market.

“Agriculture is a huge economic driver within Torridge and Holsworthy is at its centre with the town and many businesses revolving around it.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for Holsworthy whilst it is a very tight time schedule and there is much to do.

“I am confident the council will deliver the benefits the people of Holsworthy and the surrounding area deserve.”

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Councillor Bob Hicks added: “It’s vital that we increase ‘home-grown opportunities’ to encourage young people to stay in the area rather than move away. 

“New investment, new business, new jobs and new money into the area – is desperately needed. I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure a successful implementation of the next phase.”