A WINCHESTER supermarket’s application to extend the hours it can receive deliveries has caused controversy.
Aldi has applied to Winchester City Council to lengthen the hours that its branch in Weeke can receive deliveries on Sundays and bank holidays. The shop can currently receive deliveries from 8am to 4pm on Sundays and bank holidays and is applying to extend to hours to 7pm.
As part of the application Aldi confirmed it will enforce a “quiet delivery scheme” during these times. The company has also had a noise impact assessment carried out by acoustic consultancy firm Sharps Redmore, which concluded that if the application was granted it would have “not give rise to significant adverse impact”.
READ MORE: Demolition of Friarsgate Medical Centre permitted by planning committee
The application has been controversial, with several residents of the area objecting to the proposal.
Peter North, of Fromond Road, said that he opposes the application due to the “excess” noise while deliveries are made.
He said: “We already must suffer constant noise during the current delivery times and feel that extending these hours totally unnecessary.
“I have read both the noise study and the quiet delivery scheme proposed and consider these to be incomplete and totally impractical not to mention some serious concerns over health & safety.”
John Morrissy, of Parkside Gardens, also objects to the extension. He said: “The back of our house backs onto Stockbridge Road and is directly opposite the entrance to the Aldi car park, which the delivery vehicles have to use. There is already significant noise from deliveries to Aldi and Waitrose and there is a brief period of relief after 4pm on Sunday.”
SEE ALSO: Letter: Demolishing the Friarsgate Medical Centre a 'disgrace'?
Terry King, who lives on Godwin Close, said: “Our property faces onto Stockbridge Road and having more HGVs travelling up and down the road causes significant noise, particularly on Sunday evenings when we all aim to have some peace and quiet.
“It seems unreasonable for Aldi’s to cause disturbance and annoyance, from greater noise intrusion to the local residents, in order to make up for deficiencies in their original site design.”
Aldi has been contacted for comment.
More information about the planning application can be found on the Winchester City Council website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel