CONCERNS about noise levels have stopped a new supermarket from opening 24 hours.
Plans to build an Asda store on the B&Q site in Jinnah Road were originally given the go-ahead in September last year following controversy over where the site should located, in the face of a rival bid from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
The original application included 24 hour opening, but after hearing concerns during the initial meeting from members of Smallwood Residents’ Association about noise levels from cars, deliveries, and congestion, a representative from the firm said the opening hours could be negotiated.
As a result Asda submitted a bid to trade between the hours of 7am until 11pm which was discussed by borough councillors at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday (January 14).
Lynne Scott, head of town planning for Asda, said a noise assessment showed there was no evidence they could not trade during the hours.
“We want to ensure that in the market we have the same trading hours as our competition. People want to shop prior to work and then after work.”
But a representative from Smallwood Residents’ Association said they would accept a recommendation by planning officers for trading hours to be restricted between 8am until 10pm from Monday until Saturday.
But she added the group wanted to build a relationship with the store to resolve any concerns.
Coun Joe Baker said he could not see any reason to extend the hours beyond the officers’ recommendation.
“I think the hours that have been put forward are quite reasonable and coincide with the other supermarkets.”
Coun Roger Bennett said there was nothing to stop Asda from coming back in 12 months to lengthen the opening hours, but Coun David Thain said he did not think it was unreasonable for Asda to be given the hours they wanted.
Councillors approved the officers’ recommendation which includes allowing Asda to open between 10am until 5pm on Sundays and 9am until 6pm on bank holidays.
The final details will be decided by the head of planning and regeneration services.
