Tesco fails in resort store bid
Plans for a new supermarket in a Norfolk holiday resort have been rejected.
A public inquiry was held into Tesco's plans for Sheringham after the firm appealed against rejection by North Norfolk District Council.
Opposition groups said the 16,000 sq ft (1,500 sq m) shop would damage the area by forcing existing shops to close. The inquiry concluded benefits created by the shop would be outweighed by damage to the resort's character.
Planning inspector Christina Downes dismissed Tesco's appeal saying there would be harm to "the vitality, viability and retail function of Sheringham town centre and likely detrimental impact on future investment".
The ruling follows a 10-day planning inquiry held over three weeks in July.
A Tesco spokesman told BBC News: "We need to take some time to consider the inspectors report before we reach a decision on a response to it. But I think it's important to note when you look around the country, and see where there is a Tesco store. In very many cases in towns like Sheringham up and down the country, bringing a new store to a town not only brings jobs, not only brings a great shopping experience for customers but it also helps to add to the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre."
Virginia Gay, leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: "This is a marvellous result, not only for the team at North Norfolk District Council who worked so hard to make and state our case, but also to those councillors and local objectors who have said clearly and compellingly that this was not an appropriate development."
A public inquiry was held into Tesco's plans for Sheringham after the firm appealed against rejection by North Norfolk District Council.
Opposition groups said the 16,000 sq ft (1,500 sq m) shop would damage the area by forcing existing shops to close. The inquiry concluded benefits created by the shop would be outweighed by damage to the resort's character.
Planning inspector Christina Downes dismissed Tesco's appeal saying there would be harm to "the vitality, viability and retail function of Sheringham town centre and likely detrimental impact on future investment".
The ruling follows a 10-day planning inquiry held over three weeks in July.
A Tesco spokesman told BBC News: "We need to take some time to consider the inspectors report before we reach a decision on a response to it. But I think it's important to note when you look around the country, and see where there is a Tesco store. In very many cases in towns like Sheringham up and down the country, bringing a new store to a town not only brings jobs, not only brings a great shopping experience for customers but it also helps to add to the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre."
Virginia Gay, leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: "This is a marvellous result, not only for the team at North Norfolk District Council who worked so hard to make and state our case, but also to those councillors and local objectors who have said clearly and compellingly that this was not an appropriate development."
posted by tescno at
12:31 pm
