A SUPERMARKET chain’s application to extend delivery hours was one of the most controversial proposals of the last six months.
Lidl – at the site of the old Toys R Us store in Hove – won approval to take deliveries over longer hours.
The budget store opened on Thursday at the Goldstone Retail Park and will now be allowed to take delivered goods until 9pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sundays.
The Argus has trawled through more than 1,800 planning applications made to Brighton and Hove City Council over the last half a year.
By comparing the number of objections from the community, we can reveal these plans were the sixth most controversial.
Residents said they were happy to see the store move into the area, but said the extended delivery hours would cause nuisance to nearby neighbours.
One said: “I have no objection to the Lidl store overall, in fact I support it.
A new Lidl supermarket has been opened at the Goldstone Retail Park in Hove
“However, it's unfair on those who live nearby to potentially be subjected to deliveries happening outside the originally agreed hours. The originally agreed hours are sufficient and would ensure there is no detrimental impact due to noise.
“It feels somewhat disingenuous to seek to alter the hours once planning permission had been granted. They risk losing the support of the community if this is agreed.”
Another said: “Whilst we do not opposed to Lidl construction, restricted delivery hours were there in the first place to protect the neighbourhood. Lidl will have to work during decent working times to mitigate disturbance to the neighbourhood.
“Our apartment faces the off-loading area and we are not thrilled at the prospect of being waking up in the middle of the night by a lorry, forklift or the like. Come on Brighton and Hove, look after your residents.”
The proposal also included plans to change to part of customer car park to provide trolley storage, covered cycle parking and car parking for disabled and parents.
The store promises to create about 40 new jobs and offer "fresh, quality and great value produce to the local community".
The store has a sales area which covers about 1,727 square metres and will feature facilities including an in-store bakery, customer toilets and "ample parking for cars and bicycles".
This story is part of a series on the most controversial planning applications in Brighton and Hove.
10: Anger at plans to build office block in Brighton city centre
9: Neighbour's plan to build two-bed home in their garden
8: Plan to open Hove tip early among road traffic
7: The Sussex Cricketer in Hove to open after midnight amid objections
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