Replacement mechanical plant at Aldi Store, Broughton Shopping Park, Broughton, Chester

What was proposed

Replacement refrigeration equipment would be installed beside and behind the store, with 2.5-metre acoustic timber fencing and a new gate.

“7.06 7.07 7.08 The Proposal Planning permission is sought for the installation of replacement plant at Aldi Store, Broughton Shopping Park, Chester Road, Broughton. This application is part of a wider national project for Aldi Stores to upgrade their estate from HFC to CO2 refrigeration as part of a programme of works to comply with the applicable emissions legislation. This project is one of 72 in this year’s rollout.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers concluded that the noise assessment showed acceptable levels and that the proposal would not harm nearby living conditions.

“The assessment examines the noise output from the proposed plant and machinery in accordance with the methodologies set out in TAN 11 and updated by policy clarification letter CL-01-15 and concludes that the proposals would not exceed the council’s requirements in relation to the mitigation of noise.”

“Concerns have also been expressed in relation to screening planting and its impact upon existing boundaries. This is not a planning material consideration and is a civil issue. 8.00 8.01 CONCLUSION In summary, the proposal has been assessed against Policies PC1, PC2 and EN18 of the Flintshire Local Development Plan. There have been concerns raised with regards to the impact upon noise, and living conditions of residents nearby.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The community council objected over potential noise, while pollution control, Natural Resources Wales and Airbus raised no objections or comments.

“REASON: To ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved details. 3.00CONSULTATIONS 3.01Local Member Councillor B Mullin: Requested Committee determination and Committee Site Visit due to neighbour concerns with regards to potential noise disturbance. Broughton Bretton Community Council: Object to the proposal due to neighbours’ concerns with regards to potential noise disturbance.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three neighbours cited noise, ineffective fencing, increased plant noise, poor bund maintenance, screening requests and damage to rear fencing.

“As the plant has aged, noise levels have increased significantly, and the existing mitigation has failed to provide any meaningful protection. 3.Residents are requesting: significantly enhanced acoustic fencing and soundproofing around all plant and refrigeration units/ full replanting of the bund with evergreen trees and shrubs to provide effective year-round screening/ a mandatory six-monthly maintenance programme for the bund, secured by condition to ensure it complies to…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident, the agent and the local member spoke, alongside representation from Broughton and Bretton Community Council.

The committee vote

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to the reported conditions and an additional condition.

“FUL/001069/25 – A (link to recording) Broughton and Bretton Community Council Aldi Store, Broughton Shopping Park, Chester Road, Broughton CH4 0DP Judith Richards – Resident James Borley - Agent Councillor Billy Mullin – local Member Approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions set out in the Officer’s report and late observations and subject to an additional condition as follows: 3 – Notwithstanding the boundary treatment and acoustic…”

Minutes

Extra acoustic protection

Before installation or operation, a revised boundary and acoustic enclosure scheme must be approved, installed, retained and maintained effectively.

“The mechanical plant shall not be brought into use until the approved scheme has been fully installed. The approved boundary treatments and acoustic enclosures shall thereafter be retained, maintained, and kept in effective working order for the lifetime of the development.”

Minutes