Tesco to reveal new plans for Norfolk store

Tesco will reveal its fresh thinking for a store at Sheringham when it visits the town in early April.The company, which has been battling to build a store in the town for more than a decade, is hatching a new scheme after refusal by councillors, backed by a planning inspector, of its earlier bid. Opposition to the store centred on concerns it would harm the vitality of the existing town centre, while its design on the Cromer Road gateway into town was considered bland. Tesco has gone back to the drawing board and hired award-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre, whose creations include Gateshead's stunning winking eye Millennium Bridge on Tyneside. New sketches, reflecting the history and character of Sheringham, will be on display at an exhibition. Tesco spokesman Nick Gellatly said: "We want the new Tesco store to play a really positive role in the life of Sheringham and the next step in this is to discuss the emerging plans with everyone who has an interest." I am looking forward to hearing from the community and discussing our proposals in detail. Whilst we have already had an encouraging response to the news of a new foodstore proposal, I hope that as many people as possible will drop in to give us their views and hear about the improved plans."Members of the Tesco team will be available to explain and discuss the plans and the consultation will record people's comments for use in shaping the plans. Townsfolk have been split over the Tesco store bid, with some people welcoming the move and the company saying it would stop people heading out of town for their weekly shop as well as bringing in spin-off extra trade. But a vocal "anti" campaign has opposed the store's size, siting, design and impact on coast road traffic. Tesco has said the store will be smaller than the originally planned 1,500 sq m, but a spokesman could not say at this stage what size it would be.The exhibition will be on Friday, April 3, 10am-8pm and Saturday, April 4, 10am-3pm at the Oddfellows Hall on Lifeboat Plain. Anyone with an interest or wishing to comment can find out more by emailing info@sheringhamtesco.co.uk