The proposed scheme would see the historic market, situated just outside the town centre, moved to a 9.5 hectare (23 acre) site off the A22 Diplocks roundabout.

The plans, seen by the Gazette on Monday, include covered pens for cattle, sheep and pigs as well as an auction ring.

There would also be a market café, permanent food hall or general purpose sale room, a covered farmers' market and 16,000 square feet of business space.

The plans have been drawn up by the Hailsham Market Action Group (HMAG), which comprises local farmers and landowners.

HMAG has long wanted to relocate the market, which is facing an uncertain future due to supermarket firm Aldi's desire to build on the current site.

The group identified land to the west of the A22, close to Bushy Wood scout camp and Knockhatch Adventure Park, and took out a two-year option to purchase it at an agreed price.

It took on consultants to put together a feasibility study and will now develop a business plan and seek outline planning permission for the market's potential new home.

In July, the market's regular users voted overwhelmingly in favour of HMAG's plans and have stumped up close to £300,000 towards the estimated £2.5 million cost of relocation.

Cllr David White, HMAG's legal adviser, insisted the Diplocks roundabout site represented 'the best option for both the town and the market users'.

He said, "A new market there would 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 farmers and those using both the cattle and general markets.

"Permanent hard standing will mean general markets and sales could take place throughout the year."

Cllr White added he hoped farmers would continue to back the market's move with more funding.

He said, "I hope that now they can see something tangible they will be even more enthusiastic about the prospects for a new site and more will commit to the further funds which are required."

In the document outlining the relocation proposals, HMAG estimated a new market would need to accommodate 3,000 sheep and 200 cattle at peak times.

The group admitted the site was in a 'relatively low lying area' but said it had not been earmarked as a flood risk by the Environment Agency.

HMAG will now discuss the scheme with Wealden District Council, East Sussex County Council and other interested bodies before preparing and submitting a planning application.

• Hailsham has been guaranteed a market since a royal charter was granted in 1252. Aldi's bid to build a store on the current site was rejected by Wealden's planning committee last November but the supermarket firm has appealed the decision.