In response to today’s landmark decision to prevent a new Supermarket development in the centre of the largely unspoiled sea side town of Sheringham, James Frost, Director of CPRE Norfolk, says:

“This is a brave and important decision.  It shows that local authorities can resist the market power and muscle of the largest retailers and fight for the right decisions to be made to prevent the wrong development taking place.  This decision offers hope to many other towns fighting similar proposals for more large supermarkets.

"The alternative decision in favour of the Greenhouse Community Project also has its challenges but it does offer a joined-up 21st century approach to food sourcing, education and retail.  The meeting today heard from young people, schoolteachers and members of the local community who all see the unique opportunity that the project offers.  It’s a victory for local food networks and a victory for local democracy.

"The Tesco store has always been too large for Sheringham and would have caused a serious impact on local traders, the town centre and tourism.  Sheringham has been a test case for the new planning policy statement PPS4 which asks councils to look at the size of stores in terms of gross floor space and impact on the wider local economy.  Once again, Tesco have fallen short."

End

Notes to Editors

1.CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2.CPRE launched 2026 - A Vision for the Countryside in May 2009, setting out a positive and optimistic vision for the future of the beautiful English countryside in 2026, the charity’s centenary year. The Vision’s key issues include: affordable, high quality housing; urban regeneration; Green Belts; better planning; green energy; local food and farming; quality of life; light pollution and valuing the countryside as a national asset.