18th April 2026
Thame’s long-running cattle market is set to relocate to the edge of the town in a move aimed at safeguarding its future.
Thame Farmers Auction Mart (TFAM), which has overseen the historic Thame Market since April 2000, has received planning approval from South Oxfordshire District Council to move operations to a site near Christmas Hill Business Park. The project is expected to take between 12 and 18 months to complete, subject to a number of conditions.
TFAM chairman Richard Roff welcomed the decision, although reaction among market visitors has been mixed, with some expressing excitement about improved facilities while others are concerned the traditional atmosphere may be lost.
Livestock trading in Thame dates back to the Middle Ages, with the market relocating to its current purpose-built North Street site in 1951. Today, it remains one of the region’s key live markets and employs 15 staff on trading days. Regular sales, including prime sheep, rams and store cattle, take place on Wednesdays and Fridays.
TFAM has confirmed that a start date for the new site, located west of the town off Rycote Lane, has not yet been set. The organisation says the relocation will deliver a modern facility for traders and staff, ease congestion in the town centre and support the market’s long-term viability.
Roff said the move would help secure livestock trading in the South East at a time when many markets nationwide have closed, although further work is still needed to meet planning conditions.
Plans for the new site include covered pens, scope for expansion, increased sales opportunities and improved access for hauliers, with the expectation that upgraded facilities will attract new buyers and sellers and allow for more trading days.
Councillors approved the relocation at a planning committee meeting on 1 April, with seven votes in favour and one against.
