Store’s opening hours bid rejected

ASDA in Biggleswade wants to change its hours so it can open until 11pm from Monday to Saturday and until 10pm on Sundays.

It also wants to open at 7am on Sundays.

But Central Beds Council has refused the store’s application and has been backed by Biggleswade Town Council.

The authority turned down the application last month though ASDA has appealed.

At a meeting of Biggleswade Town Council on Tuesday councillors supported Central Beds’ snub.

Councillor Jane Lawrence said: “People who live nearby are already disturbed early in the morning by delivery lorries – we don’t want this to become more frequent.”

Councillor Hazel Ramsay added: “There have also been problems with noise and antisocial behaviour outside the store at night.

“If the hours are extended people will be buying alcohol later and it will just become worse.”

Councillor Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities (strategic planning and economic development) at Central Beds Council said: “An application was received to vary the original condition 3 of the planning permission and extend the opening hours for customers.

“This was refused because it has not been satisfactorily demonstrated that living conditions at neighbouring properties would not be harmed through noise and disturbance, or that the use of planning conditions could adequately mitigate any harm that would be caused.

“An appeal has been lodged and this is yet to be determined.”

ASDA did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for a comment.