Thame Farmers Auction Mart to move to new location

Thame Farmers Auction Mart has been granted planning permission by South Oxfordshire District Council to move its operations to a new, purpose-built site on the edge of Thame.

The relocation, expected to take around 12 to 18 months to complete, will secure the future of one of the South East’s most important livestock trading hubs and address longstanding concerns about congestion, noise and odour in the town centre.

Richard Roff, chairman of Thame Farmers Auction Mart, said: “We are delighted with South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee’s resolution to grant planning permission for the new livestock market site, subject to dealing with a number of planning conditions.

“Once these conditions are resolved this will secure the future of livestock trading in the South East at a time when a number of markets across the country have closed in recent years.”

The market has operated in Thame since the Middle Ages and moved to its current site on North Street in 1951.

Its relocation to land near Christmas Hill Business Park will create a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of farmers, staff and the wider community.

Mr Roff said: “While the resolution to grant planning permission is a significant milestone, further work is required to deliver the planning consent.

“At present, the future use of the current market site remains uncertain, with a number of uses being considered by its owners South Oxford DC who have been supportive of the application for the new market.”

The project involves a partnership with W. Lamb Developments Ltd, who will deliver the commercial business units on part of the application site, which will help fund the project and are part of the application.

Mr Roff credited the contributions of Will Taylor, surveyor with Briggs & Stone, for his advice and guidance throughout the project.

The new market will feature covered pens and improved facilities for hauliers, with the potential for expanded operations and increased sales.

It is hoped the move will attract additional buyers and sellers and enable more operating days.

Thame was awarded its Market Charter in 1215 and has maintained an unbroken connection with livestock trading ever since.

The current mart is operated by shareholders who took over from South East Marts in April 2000.

The site employs 15 staff on market day.

Regular sales are held on Wednesdays for prime sheep, cull ewes, and rams, and on Fridays for store cattle and sheep.