A bid by Aldi to introduce unrestricted delivery hours at its planned Highbridge supermarket has been turned down by town councillors this week amid concern that it would lead to night-time noise for local residents.
The proposals for a new 1,804 square metre store in Bennett Road, at the northern end of the Isleport Industrial Park, were given a ‘green light’ by Sedgemoor District Council in May, as reported here. The store is due to open in 2018.
A planning condition placed on the supermarket requests that deliveries are only allowed between the hours of 6am and 11pm to “safeguard residents from noise and disturbance.”
But Aldi wants the condition lifted to enable unrestricted delivery times around the clock.
Cllr Louise Parkin said at Wednesday’s Planning Applications Committee meeting: “I thoroughly object to changing the condition – we should keep the hours as they are.”
Cllr John Parkes said: “We have to be consistent – similar delivery restrictions are in place at other local supermarkets.”
Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton agreed: “It would upset residents – and possibly Travelodge visitors too,” referring to a separate planning application to build a new Travelodge hotel next to the store.
Town councillors decided to object against Aldi’s request, although a final decision rests with Sedgemoor District Council.
The new Highbridge Aldi store is set to create 14 full-time jobs and 26 part-time jobs when it opens its doors next year.
Pictured: Top, an artist’s drawing of how the new Highbridge store will look
