Residents in a pictureseque Norfolk seaside town are leading a revolt against plans for a staggering eighth fish and chip shop.
Locals in Sheringham fear their high street is being ruined by an excessive number of fast food outlets – with 40 takeaways already in place.
Of the nearly four dozen eateries, Sheringham boasts five fish and chip shops within 500 metres of each other – with a sixth just down the road, and a seventh a short walk across town.
And now, fed-up residents are concerned their plush town centre is “under threat” from the surge in fast food businesses.
Sheringham boasts five fish and chip shops within 500 metres of each other – with a sixth just down the road, and a seventh a short walk across town
GB NEWS
Sheringham was recently named one of the least affordable places to live in the country, and has previously been awarded the Blue Flag award for its scenic and idyllic beaches.
But in the face of its upmarket status, locals are increasingly concerned about the concentration of takeaways.
Sheringham Town Council last week refused the latest application for the chippy – which would have become the town’s eighth.
The planning committee denied the application on the grounds the restaurant would have had inadequate waste disposal and bin storage.
They also claimed a new takeaway would be “against public health policy.”
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Sheringham Town Council last week refused the latest application for the chippy – which would have become the town’s eighth
PA
In a statement to North Norfolk District Town Council, Sheringham Town Council said: “The firmly held view is that Sheringham’s conservation area is under threat by this planning application and others like it.”
Local resident Sylvia Jackson launched into a scathing anti-fast food tirade on Facebook, calling the prospect of another takeaway “utterly ridiculous”.
“Use some imagination. A sandwich shop would be better,” she said.
And Leah Brindley, 18, who works at Dave’s Fish Bar, agreed the town needs more variety.
“More diversity would be good for Sheringham,” she said. “It’s a bit unfair for smaller businesses that have been here for years if more are allowed, particularly chains.”
Leah Brindley, 18, who works at Dave’s Fish Bar, said the town needs more variety
Another local simply asked: “Can we get something more unique?”
But visitors aren’t so sure – Sarah Castle, 70, and husband Keith, 82, travelled from Yorkshire to spend the day in Norfolk.
“We always have fish and chips by the seaside as it’s our favourite takeaway,” Sarah said.
“It is good to have a choice in the summer. It saves you queueing when they are all busy!”
While Linda and Frank Lambert, regular visitors to Sheringham, shared their thoughts on the town’s fish and chip shops.
“Fish and chips is always a treat when you visit the coast. It isn’t complete without it,” said Linda, 75.
“We’ve noticed shops closing but there seems to be more new places opening up,” she added.
Despite the concerns about too many takeaways, the couple remain loyal to their favourite spot.
“We always go to the same place,” Linda said.