WOODBRIDGE'S historic weekly market is set to move to a new home which it is hoped will revive its fortunes.Councillors agreed today that the event could leave its site on Market Hill and relocate on part of the car park at the Turban Centre, just off The Thoroughfare, in the town centre.

By Richard Cornwell

WOODBRIDGE'S historic weekly market is set to move to a new home which it is hoped will revive its fortunes.

Councillors agreed today that the event could leave its site on Market Hill and relocate on part of the car park at the Turban Centre, just off The Thoroughfare, in the town centre.

Stallholders had asked for a move to a new site because there had been a big decline in the number of stalls on Market Hill.

Suffolk Coastal council's development control sub committee granted the market – which dates back to the 13th century – permission to use the 29-space Hamblin Road Turban II car park on a Thursday for 12 months in order to monitor its success and any problems caused for residents living nearby.

The stallholders would not be allowed to set up before 6am to try to cut down on noise and disturbance.

In a report to councillors, planning officers said: "It is accepted that a well-run and well-located market would be a real asset to the town, increasing its attraction to local shoppers and visitors alike and would add to the vitality and diversity of the town."

If it stayed on Market Hill its viability would be threatened and it might eventually be lost.

Four options were considered before the Turban Centre car park was agreed.

Woodbridge councillor, Anni Healey, said the 12 month temporary permission would enable the situation to be fully assessed.

"We do want the market to continue in Woodbridge and this is the best compromise," she said.

Woodbridge Town Council recommended approval, and the Woodbridge Society, while disappointed at the move from the site where the market had traded for centuries, accepted the reasons for the relocation.

Five letters of objection were received by the council from people worried about the loss of parking – planning officers said there would be enough spaces at the railway station to compensate – used by the elderly, infirm and mums with young children.

They were also concerned about noise from the event at its new site, and the effect of the loss of the market on businesses on Market Hill.