ACS

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) congratulates campaigners in Sheringham, Norfolk on their victory as a planning appeal for a Tesco superstore has been dismissed.

The application for a store in Sheringham has seen a long running battle between campaigners and the retailer. The Government inspector has dismissed the planning appeal, following a three-week hearing back in July. In her 44-point summary she said that while the store would have some benefits for the town, they were outweighed by irreparable damage it could do to existing traders and the character of the lively resort.

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb called the decision a "remarkable victory for local democracy". He added: "I am amazed and I think it will send shockwaves through the planning system nationally as well as locally.”

ACS Local Shop Campaigner Nigel Dowdney was part of the group campaigning against the Tesco store. Mr Dowdney said: “This is a victory for local retailers and the community. It goes to show that Tesco will not inevitably gain planning permission, and that there are tools within the current planning system to prevent superstores being built when to do so may have a devastating impact on the local community and traders. He added: “I would like to congratulate those members of the community in North Norfolk who fought long and hard to gain this positive outcome.”

James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive said: “Our congratulations go out to Nigel and the rest of the campaigners that fought for so long for this very positive outcome. It is important that the Government takes note that places like Sheringham benefit from the existing Town Centre First planning policy.

“Given that right now this policy is under review, we will be making the case to Government that the policy has to remain strong and that they do not weaken the planning system by changing it for change’s sake. As the Sheringham case shows sometimes the right answer to whether a town needs a large format out-of-town supermarket is no.”