Countryside campaigners, CPRE [1], warmly welcomed the announcement that the Planning Inspector has dismissed Tesco’s planning appeal on its proposal to build a supermarket at Sheringham in Norfolk.

Graeme Willis, Rural Policy Campaigner, said: “This is a crucial decision which will encourage all those fighting for local democracy and the right to shape their town and how it develops.  It marks the winning of a hard fought battle by residents and councillors, with support from CPRE Norfolk, to prevent irrevocable damage to the character and vitality of Sheringham”

 “The decision will safeguard the distinctiveness of the town for residents and tourists alike, as well as the many rural businesses who depend on it,” Graeme Willis continued.

“This comes at a critical moment nationally too.  The Government is consulting now on plans to change planning policy for town centres [2]. CPRE is pressing for stronger measures to make it easier for the diversity of towns like Sheringham to be protected from out-of-scale retail.”

- END -

NOTES FOR 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. The Government consultation on changes to Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres closes on October 3rd 2008.