WORK has started on the development of Cutcombe Livestock Market at Wheddon Cross.

The development, one of the largest to come before Exmoor National Park Authority in recent years, will include market facilities and 25 new residential units including 12 affordable houses for local people and three blocks of business premises.

Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions, Summerfield Developments, Somerset County Council, Magna West Somerset and the National Park Authority have worked together to produce the plans. Cutcombe Parish Council has also been a key player and supportive of the scheme, which is vital to the future of Exmoor farmers.

The new Livestock Market building will be constructed first with the housing to follow in the summer.

Peter Huntley, manager of Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions said: “The livestock farmers of Exmoor have a vital role in preserving the landscape and environment and the market is an integral part of this process.”

Linda Atkins, vice chairman of Cutcombe Parish Council said: “We are delighted that building work is finally underway. “As a council, we appreciate the initiative of Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions in utilizing their land thoughtfully, contributing to long term benefits for our community and Exmoor.

“We have been engaged with this project from the outset and have consulted extensively with the local community, so we are looking forward to working with the developer and Magna, to provide much needed housing for workers in the community and support for the future of the school.”