Three month wait for Tesco ruling

Opponents say the town's distinct flavour is under threat

A public inquiry into plans for a Tesco supermarket at a holiday resort has finished, but a decision will not be published for up to 12 weeks.

Supermarket giant Tesco appealed after North Norfolk District Council rejected a plan to build a 16,000 sq ft (1,500 sq m) shop in Sheringham.

Opposition groups said the store would damage the resort by closing existing shops and this would deter visitors.

Inspector Christina Downes will reveal her decision in four to 12 weeks.

Russell Harris QC representing Tesco said its store would stop shoppers travelling to other towns for groceries.

Tourists deterred

"In any rational or reasonable world Sheringham should already have a modest supermarket," he said.

"The fact that it doesn't, owes much to a well orchestrated campaign that swayed elected members, contrary to every piece of rational expert evidence before them, to reject consent."

James Strachan QC, representing the council, said if the inspector rules in Tesco's favour, it would be a "terrible blow to the town".

It would also "suck customers from Holt and Cromer", he said.

"Tesco will be well placed to divert shoppers away from the centre of Sheringham," said Mr Strachan.

"The very character of the town is at risk and a store of this size should not be permitted."

Ian Shepherd, of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, said the store would lead to a decline in tourism as a result of shops closing.