The long-standing battle over plans for a Tesco store in the coastal town of Sheringham, Norfolk, took another twist last week after the supermarket chain vowed to challenge a government inspector's flagship ruling which blocked its development on the grounds it would damage other local retailers.

The decision to take the case to the High Court will extend the now infamous Sheringham battle by several more months, and could cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds.

The retail giant wants to build a 5,000sq ft store in the town.