‘It’s quite important to keep the market. It’s the only big one left’

Traders at a popular Essex market have voiced concern over plans that could see it lose almost 100 stalls. It comes after a major land deal between Google and the local council to build a new data centre at the airfield where it is based.

The hugely popular market, which operates each Saturday and on Bank Holidays, currently has around 300 stalls selling clothing, homeware, food and other items. But an £88m land sale to Google means that market space at North Weald Airfield will be converted into parking for a new data centre over a temporary five-year period.

If the plans are approved, the market’s trading area will be reduced by nearly one hectare. Epping Forest District Council said the plans will result in a reduction in the number of market stalls. Documents state there would be a reduction of approximately 31 per cent, which amounts to just under 100.

Peter Arrowsmith, 79, who runs a bags stall, said: “It’s one of the biggest markets in Essex. There’s not many of them left. Over the past four/five years a lot have closed down. There won’t be many open markets left.

“By reducing the stalls it will have a big impact not just on us but the community. We get 3,000 a day. We get a coach load from Kent and some from Folkestone come up.”

Trader Paul, who did not want to give his surname, has run a stall for 30 years. He added: “It’s going to be an inconvenience for the car park. If people have to walk too far they won’t be very happy and it might put them off from coming.”

He continued: “It’s quite important to keep the market. It’s the only big one left. It serves a huge area too. It’s been here so long. People come here from Ipswich and all over the county.”

The council has also stated that parking space will decrease by about 10 per cent, but noted that it did not expect any difference in the number of visitors or road traffic to the airfield on Saturdays. This has led to concerns about traffic congestion, notably at the Cranes Lane roundabout, which have not been addressed as part of Epping Forest District Council’s plans for the site. No physical development is proposed, and existing access and traffic management arrangements will remain unchanged.

Epping Forest District Council says the new parking area will ensure no interruption to the market when Google takes over the land in December. Councillors will meet on Wednesday (October 29) to discuss the parking associated with market users. The meeting will be webcast and reports are included on the agenda.

The market, which is said to be one of the UK’s most successful, has been graced by dozens of independent traders over the years. TV star Tom Skinner, who rose to fame on The Apprentice, has previously sold at the popular market.

A spokesperson for Epping Forest District Council previously said: “North Weald Airfield is going from strength to strength. The Google data centre is a case in point. The new parking area is part of our ongoing investment to maintain the market. Construction of the permanent home for Terra Verde Services is going well, and we remain committed to aviation. The brand new aviation control tower is nearing completion, with the iconic Hurricane gate guardian currently in the process of relocation.

“For anyone who remains in doubt, come along, see for yourself and bag a bargain. North Weald Market is open every Saturday throughout the year and bank holiday Mondays.”

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