New Government policies push Sheringham supermarket plans back

Two planning applications for supermarkets at Sheringham will not now be considered this month [January], following the Government’s sudden announcement of 19 new planning policies for economic development.

Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth was issued just after Christmas, and all applications in the pipeline need to be re-assessed in the light of these new policies.

North Norfolk District Council hopes to set a date in February for its Combined Development Control Committee to discuss the rival Tesco and Greenhouse/Waitrose proposals for Sheringham. The Council, the applicants and the Council’s independent retail consultant now need to see if, and how, the 19 new planning policies, backed up by a 100-page ‘practical guidance’ document, affect these supermarket applications.

The new policies cover the whole range of land use, not just retail proposals, in the context of sustainable economic development. According to Planning Policy Statement 4, the Government’s aims include wanting to “deliver more sustainable patterns of development, reduce the need to travel, especially by car and respond to climate change”, and promoting “the vitality and viability of town and other centres as important places for communities”.

Steve Oxenham, North Norfolk District Council’s Head of Planning and Building Control, said: “We know these decisions are hugely important to the community of Sheringham, and we want to bring this to a conclusion as soon as possible. The timing of these new Government policies is unfortunate, but we will work as quickly as we can to gather all the information we need, hopefully in time for a February meeting.”

ENDS