A WINCHESTER supermarket was granted permission to extend its delivery hours despite concerns from neighbours.

Aldi, in Burnett Close, Weeke, will now be able to take deliveries on Sundays and bank holidays until 7pm, extending it from 4pm.

Winchester City Council's planning committee made the decision on Wednesday June 14, with five votes for and four against.

The committee was told that, despite the hours extending, the number of deliveries would remain at two per day.

As part of the application Aldi confirmed it will enforce a “quiet delivery scheme” during these times.

READ MORE: Lingerie shop Ellie and Bea moves to bigger Winchester unit

Mr Matthews, of Burnett Close, told the committee that the increased deliveries times were not necessary.

He said: “Residents live very close to the loading bay and are subjected to the noise. 

“The disturbances are due to the pallets scraping down the lorry. It's not a quiet operation. The noise prevents children from sleeping and residents have to close windows in the summer.

“It's a significant, adverse impact. Sunday should be a quieter day. Aldi should not have additional flexibility.”

Including Mr Matthews, six residents submitted objections.

SEE ALSO: Hampshire Wildlife Trust objects to Romsey School plans due to bats

Speaking for Aldi, Alan Williams said: “The extension is only by three hours. It's currently difficult for delivering produce for the next day. They need more flexibility to meet demand and make sure shelves are stocked. 

“They won't have more deliveries, just more flexibility. The quiet delivery scheme has been submitted with the application. The benefits are such that permission should be granted.”

The committee debated if the extra three hours were necessary.

Cllr Frank Pearson said: “I understand the noise factor raised by the objectors. Drivers occasionally drop pallets which creates more noise, but that happens, it's human nature.”

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith said: “I live next to a Co-op and the noise of pallets being unloaded is very disturbing. The original condition on the delivery hours was set for a good reason. I don't think there is good reason to change it.”

Committee chairman Jane Rutter said: “It's simply a three-hour extension once a week. The extra conditions are sufficiently strict to make sure Aldi makes every effort to limit the noise from deliveries and improve the environment for neighbours. I don't think it's unreasonable.”

A condition was added to ensure that, during deliveries, fridges would be turned off and connected to an electricity supply to minimise noise.

The committee agreed to permit the application with five votes for and four against it.