The market would be built on land at the end of Diplocks way, to the west of the A22.

Phil Hook, chairman of HMAG, said: 'It is just a first draft but we have got to start somewhere. We still want to get farmers' views on it to get it right from the start.'

Aldi wants to move the existing market from its current Market Street site so a new supermarket can be built.

Wealden District Council refused permission in November and Audi has launched an appeal.

The market action group has made plans in case the market has to move and it took out a two-year option on the Diplocks site in January. This was to buy the 10-acre site at an agreed fixed price.

HMAG has told Aldi it would support the supermarket application in Market Street.

But Aldi has to make a related application for the Diplocks site in the superstore chain's own name.

Aldi has not yet responded to this idea.

David White, chairman of Hellingly Parish Council, has been advising HMAG.

He said: 'Without doubt if the market has to move from its present location this site represents the best option for both the town and the market users. A new market here would both take the traffic out of the town centre and yet remain sufficiently close enough to be accessible for the town's people.

'The improved facilities would fulfil animal welfare requirements and benefit the farmers and all others using both the cattle and general markets.'

Cattle, sheep and pigs would all get covered penning at the new site. There would also be an auction ring and auctioneers' offices. Other features include a market café, either a food hall or sales room, a covered farmers' market and 16,000sq ft of business space.

Cllr White added: 'Permanent hard standing will mean that general markets and sales could take place throughout the year.

'All that now remains is for the farmers and others to get behind the scheme and put up the necessary funding.'

A target of £1.5million is needed for the cattle market to be re-sited. Around £300,00 has been raised by farmers and is being held in a National Farmers Union bank account.

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