WITH the potential closure of the livestock market in Hatherleigh, residents in the town and the surrounding rural area were last week given an opportunity to express their views on initial plans to redevelop the site.

At Hatherleigh Community Centre last Thursday the public were invited to see an exhibition by LHC Architects on behalf of the owner of the site, Vicks auctioneers and valuers.

Hatherleigh has had a charter to hold a market since 1220 and in 1693 a royal charter was granted by William and Mary for the Tuesday market.

However, with decreasing sales for livestock, the owners are looking to the future.

Although the livestock market is under threat any plans will have to include the popular produce or pannier market, held every Tuesday.

The consultation event was the first stage by potential developers before detailed plans are drawn up by LHC.

Neil Emery, a director of LHC, told the Times that the consultation was very much the first part of the process.

He said: 'People have concerns, that's understandable in the current economic climate.

'Any plan is going to be a sensitive balance so that all the ingredients are there for success. Nobody wants to see the place decline and as a planner we want to ensure it is very much an attractive place to live.

'We have no intention for example, of creating business units that nobody would want to use.'

Initial plans include new quality housing, links to the town centre, a new street/space for a produce market, employment opportunities, more viable public transport, a new civic space, produce/crafts market throughout the town.

'What we intend to do is review all the comments we receive from everyone.

'We will then report back to the town and West Devon Borough Council on all the issues that have been raised. From this we will start to design in more detailed initial plans,' said Mr Emery.

The consultation event was well attended and there were mixed views to initial plans for the site.

Kevin New from Iddlesleigh said: 'Plans seem to indicate there is not going to be enough space for public amenities such as the Tuesday market or the Hatherleigh Carnival.

'There will be no social facilities for all those people in the community who come in especially from outside the town.'

Brian Abell, secretary of Hatherleigh History Society, said: 'It is vital that a large area is retained for the pannier market with parking for visitors and stallholders. Also there should be a covered building for auctions etc.

'At present, people some from a wide area on a Tuesday, many people meet to share a sense of community, which I wouldn't like to see lost.'

Both the town council and West Devon Borough Council are already in discussions with the owners and LHC Architects over redevelopment.

Town councillor Gary Bush said: 'Whilst we are disappointed that the livestock market is having to close, we are very keen to make sure the town council is involved with the development of the site and this or any other plans are the best for the community.

'Hatherleigh Town Council and West Devon Borough Council are working together to initiate a project that is community-led and that is the best for the town.

'We are hoping that volunteers will come forward to join us in the planning process.'

Fellow town councillor Dennis Bater said the town was unique in many ways, as it had more facilities and quality for its size in West Devon.

He said: 'The Tuesday market is also unique and a major asset for the town and is at risk. The public has no control over this facility as it is a privately-owned area.

'The main concern for people attending today's event is to put forward ideas on how the Tuesday market can be incorporated into the new development.

'I believe this can be done with temporary parking, based on a French-style. The new Tuesday market could then be sited in a new square or specially designed street.'

A second public consultation should be held at Hatherleigh in September or October, leading to a submission of outline planning application to West Devon Borough Council by the end of the year or the beginning of 2012.