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Application ‘ASDA be looked at again’
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A supermarket will be able to extend its opening hours after the Planning Inspectorate overruled Central Beds Council.
ASDA in Biggleswade can now open from 7am until 11pm from Monday to Saturday and from 7am until 10pm on Sundays.
Its original application to extend its trading hours was turned down by Central Beds Council in November and was also opposed by Biggleswade Town Council.
Both councils objected on grounds of noise and disturbance that could be caused to nearby residents.
But after ASDA appealed the Planning Inspectorate ruled in its favour.
The store must follow strict conditions laid down by the government body.
Noise levels in the immediate area around the Church Street supermarket must not exceed 35 decibels between the hours of 9pm and 7am and must not be higher than 55db from 7am to 9pm.
Deliveries cannot take place outside the prescribed hours of 7am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday or 9am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Shopping trolley collections from the car park can only be done from 7am to 10pm.
A car park management scheme must also be introduced, which will force ASDA to put up barriers to make parts of the car park inaccessible outside of trading hours.
Some car park lights must also be switched off during these hours.
Councillor Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities (strategic planning and economic development) at Central Beds Council said: “We’re disappointed by the decision of the Planning Inspector but we will be working with ASDA to ensure that the planning conditions are properly complied with.”
Biggleswade Town Council may now approach a higher authority.
Deputy mayor Councillor Hazel Ramsay said: “Having read the appeal it is clear that the decision was taken without any local knowledge and disregarded residents’ concerns. I am told the only option available to us now is to take this to the Secretary of State.”
ASDA did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for a statement.
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Weather for Biggleswade
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South west
