Norwich City Council is investigating moving the site to Fox Lane in North Tuddenham, on land off the A47.

But locals believe relocating the facility will mean more lorries will travel along minor roads through villages like Mattishall and Swanton Morley, near Dereham.

The land off the sliproad from the westbound A47 at North Tuddenham where it is proposed the new livestock market to be. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mark Edwards is a farmer who recently moved from South Wales to a home close to Fox Lane.

The 64-year-old has firsthand experience of using livestock markets across the Welsh border and worries problems he faced there could be replicated in Norfolk.

He said: "I used to visit the Carmarthen livestock market, which is one of the biggest in Britain. It was pandemonium at times with the amount of traffic.

"Lorries travelling either from the north or the south may avoid using the A47 and instead travel through the surrounding villages along unsuitable roads.

North Tuddenham villager, Mark Edwards. (Image: Denise Bradley)

"HGV traffic will blight Mattishall, Swanton Morley, Bawdeswell, Lyng and many other hamlets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

"Market traffic will also be concentrated on specific days and times, exacerbating the issue.

"From personal experience, taking cattle to market, livestock are often delivered in multiple batches.

Fox Lane at North Tuddenham. (Image: Denise Bradley)

"For every lorry carrying livestock, there will be three behind it looking to buy animals.

"This can mean three or more 4x4 vehicles with empty trailers following one another. Empty trailers in particular create considerable noise and disturbance. The cumulative impact of this type of movement, repeated frequently, should not be underestimated."

The proposed site of the new livestock market, just off Fox Lane and the sliproad from the westbound A47 at North Tuddenham. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Norwich City Council is currently employing a contractor to investigate moving the livestock market to Fox Lane in North Tuddenham.

It says no final decision has been made but currently the authority does not appear to be exploring any other sites.

Fox Lane at North Tuddenham. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The council wants to move the venue outside of the city as the current location is in need of significant improvements and it says there are no suitable alternative locations inside Norwich.

There are also plans to create an overnight lorry park, shops and other facilities at the site to help make the livestock market profitable.

Mattishall village. (Image: Denise Bradley)

A spokesman for Norwich City Council said: “Work is progressing to identify a suitable site to relocate the livestock market.

“We continue to work closely with all the key stakeholders to secure the long-term future of a new market outside of the city’s boundary.

North Tuddenham. (Image: Denise Bradley)

“Our goal is to create a new, modern and fit-for-purpose facility which better meets the needs of those it needs to serve in Norwich, the wider county and further afield.

“We will confirm further details about plans for the new livestock market when we’re able to.”

Fox Lane in North Tuddenham is in a central location in the county, off the A47, making it easily accessible.

There is no roundabout at the junction, but the Fox Lane bridge over the A47 means traffic will be able to reach the site along the dual carriageway from the east and the west.

Members of North Tuddenham Parish Council are also concerned about the potential move.

Vicky Turner, council clerk, said: "The parish council and its residents are deeply concerned around the health and safety impact of drastically raised vehicular use and members have been in regular dialogue with Norfolk County Council Highways around this. 

"Sadly, outcomes have been negligible, and we have found key stakeholders have been unable to identify impactful interventions or solutions. 

"Consequently, the impending impact that the potential siting of the livestock market would pose, has further heightened our concerns."

The council has asked to meet with Norwich City Council and requested a public meeting is held to discuss the proposals.

Norwich Livestock Market (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich City Council legally has to provide a site for the livestock market.

The process of relocation has involved a change of legislation to alter an Act of Parliament requiring City Hall to provide the facility within Norwich's boundaries.

The change allowed the market to move within 16 miles of the city's Hall Road site.

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