ASDA in Weymouth asks for 24-hour deliveries
They've been doing it since March
ASDA in Weymouth, is asking to make and receive deliveries from its Newstead Road store 24-7.
The company say that 24-hour deliveries, which it has been doing since March, have not generated any complaints – although two ward councillors say there has been problems.
Asda says that without the permanent change it would be under pressure to deal with the increase in home deliveries and in-store sales generated by the Covid pandemic.
It says this has been a ‘marked increase’ in demand since the pandemic started which has put a strain on supply chains.
Application papers to Dorset Council ask to change the operating times imposed on the Weymouth store when its extension and new entrance was approved in December 2010. The council then said that loading and unloading of goods vehicles must be limited to between 7am and 10pm daily.
However, since March 2020 the Government has allowed deliveries to all supermarkets 24-7 which has helped the flow of goods.
ASDA says it now wants to formally change the hours at the Weymouth store to continue what it has already been doing with Government approval.
An agent’s letter says that there has been no formal complaints made about the change in its operations and nothing to indicate that anyone has been disturbed by the 24-hour deliveries over almost the past year.
But local councillors Ryan Hope and Gill Taylor say there has been problems – despite the claims by Asda.
Said Cllr Hope: “I have received numerous complaints from residents due to the disturbance caused by overnight deliveries to the store. These have been noted with environmental heath directly by residents.”
He has asked for a decision to be made at committee, by councillors, rather than by a single planning officer which is being suggested by Dorset Council.
Cllr Gill Taylor says she too has received complaints which she says were forwarded, by her, to the company.
She says the noise was of particular concern in the summer when residents had their windows open at night: “The complaint I had came from one resident in Marsh Road who spoke about the effect this was having on herself and spoke on behalf of her neighbours who had made similar comments to her. The loading area is very close to the houses in Marsh Road and while the 24-hour nature of the store being open to the public will not affect them, loading and unloading between 11:00pm and 7:00am will have an adverse effect – and for that reason I am objecting to this application,” she said.
Comments on the proposals can be made to Dorset Council by February 16th.