ACS

Sheringham town centre has emerged victorious in its latest battle with supermarket giant Tesco. Sheringham town centre has long been praised as a prime example of a thriving, diverse town centre with many successful specialist shops, although planning applications from Tesco dating back to 1996 have threatened to put the unique aspects of the town in jeopardy.

Today’s victory came after Councillors on North Norfolk District Council rejected the plan for a store on Cromer Road on the grounds that it would harm the look and tradition of the town, increase traffic jams and hurt local independent traders.

However, the Council did approve an edge of town community store proposed by local landowner Clive Hay-Smith that will focus on a food academy and environmentally friendly projects. This store will be run in partnership with Waitrose.

Speaking to the Independent, a Tesco spokesman said: “We're surprised by this decision. Planning officers made it clear that the Waitrose application would be detrimental to Sheringham town centre and local shops. The councillors’ decision is at odds with Government planning policy to protect and ensure the vitality of town centres.”

Friends of the Earth's food campaigner Helen Rimmer described the decision as “fantastic news” for the people and businesses of Sheringham.

“Tesco controls a third of the UK’s grocery market and communities up and down the country are fighting back against its takeover of our towns and cities,” she said.

“It is now vital that the Government and local authorities bring in new policies to support independent shops and the local economy to give communities a genuine choice about where to shop.”