Plans to redevelop Driffield's cattle market approved

Three major schemes that will change the face of Driffield won the backing of East Riding Council's planning committee today.

Plans for the redevelopment of the cattle market and Viking Centre sites, and a new Tesco, were deferred and delegated for approval subject to legal agreements being agreed.

Town mayor Councillor Steve Poessl said: "I'm delighted that the Tesco and Viking Centre schemes have been supported by East Riding Council planners.

"Although I desperately want to see the old cattle market redeveloped because it is an eyesore, I'm totally against a superstore on that site.

"East Riding Council's latest review of retail developments for Driffield says that a superstore on the cattle market would not be viable in the present economic climate."

Cllr Poessl added: "A third supermarket would have a devastating effect on out wonderful independent high street shops."

The cattle market scheme is a mixed development in the Eastgate South area of Driffield, including a superstore with car parking, shops, town centre services and community hall, 30 houses and 14 apartments.

Plans for the Viking Centre scheme in Middle Street North include an Aldi supermarket, retail units and new dwellings.

Tesco has the go-ahead to build a new, bigger supermarket on land that runs from George Street to Middle Street South, including the old Kwik Save store site.

See Friday's Mail for more on the Driffield developments.