ORGANISERS of the popular Wimborne Market have applied for permission to relocate the site when it ceases to operate at its current location later this year.

The market’s current site, off Station Road, has been earmarked for a new retirement village by McCarthy & Stone and, subject to planning, the market will stop operating there later this year.

However, plans have been submitted to move the site to the Wimborne Show ground and create a new “country style market”.

A notice sent to traders from T Ensor and Son Ltd said: “As you know the Wimborne Market site has been sold for development of a McCarthy and Stone retirement village and subject to planning, Wimborne Market will cease to operate on the site later this year.

“We would like to thank all traders and customers for their continued support throughout the difficult Covid virus period and look forward to getting things back to normal.

“From Friday, April 16, full markets will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the foreseeable future.

“We have submitted plans to the local authority to re-site the market at the Wimborne Show ground and have put forward our ideas to create a new country style market and recreation park and we would very much like the support of our traders and customers.”

The organisers also confirmed a regular car boot sale would be held at the Wimborne Show Ground, starting Sunday, April 18 and running from 7.30am to 2.30pm.

In March last year, talks begun about moving the site to lake Gates. And in November, there were discussions about holding an in-town market in Wimborne.

McCarthy and Stone submitted plans to Dorset Council for its retirement village on the site.

The plans would see the site redeveloped with 66 apartments, 32 bungalows and two-storey chalets.

Divisional managing director at McCarthy and Stone Shane Paull said: “We have sought to respect the characteristics of the local area and the amenity of neighbouring properties when developing our design and landscaping proposals.

“If approved, our plans would deliver the sensitive regeneration of a brownfield site in a sustainable location with an exemplary Continuing Care Community at the heart of Wimborne.”