DELIVERIES to at an Andover supermarket will be able to be made later into the night following a planning appeal.

In February, last year, Test Valley Borough Council refused permission for Aldi, in Weyhill Road, to extend the hours it can accept deliveries.

The council said the main issue was the effect on the living conditions of occupiers of nearby residential properties, with regard to noise and disturbance from the deliveries.

A condition was previously made that deliveries could only be made between 7am and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The proposal sought for deliveries to be made between 8am and 9pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, which was rejected.

However, the discount chain appealed the decision with the Planning Inspectorate, and it has now been granted the extended hours.

Aldi had said that deliveries were already being made at these times. However, in 2020 and 2021 Written Ministerial Statements made it clear that, due to the disruption caused by the pandemic “local planning authorities should take a positive approach to engagement with food retailers, distributors and the freight industry to ensure planning controls are not a barrier to the supply of all goods and services”.

The company also said newer vehicles are now being used which are quieter and that “drivers arrive without excessive throttle or braking noise and seek to accelerate gently until the vehicle is a reasonable distance from the store”.

Inspector S Harley said: “I acknowledge the need to meet changes in consumer demand, including the desire for fresh produce, to respond efficiently in a competitive market, to provide the best service and safest shopping environment, and the environmental benefits of more efficient logistics and route planning. These would all be benefits which weigh in favour of the proposal.

“On the basis of the evidence before me the proposed variation of hours for deliveries would not have a significantly harmful effect on the living conditions of occupiers of nearby residential properties, with regard to noise and disturbance.”

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