Store hours plan criticised

Residents today attacked a bid to allow an £18 million DIY store in Shrewsbury to extend its opening times by up to three hours a day, branding the development a "monstrosity".

The new B&Q, in Featherbed Lane, is due to open on Thursday but is facing criticism over the plans to alter opening times, which has sparked a petition against the proposed changes.

But planning officers at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council have recommended that the extended opening hours should be approved.

The store is already able to open from 8am until 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 4pm on Sundays.

However, bosses have now applied to open from 7am until 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 9am until 4pm on Sundays, with the first hour serving as a "browsing hour" to comply with Sunday trading regulations.

A report to the borough council's development control committee says: "The extended opening hours would not be detrimental to the residential amenity of nearby properties."

The application has received objections from 19 nearby residents, and Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski has added his support to the protest.

Gina Hughes, who lives with her family near the entrance of the store's car park, said residents were not happy with plans to extend opening hours.

She said: "It's a monstrosity. We're not pleased at all.

"The lorries are quite noisy when they reverse out of the car park and we can hear the noise of the tannoys from inside the shop.

"My children sleep in the front of the house and I'm worried about the noise keeping them awake, and obviously traffic is going to be a problem."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I can see why Tesco, just over the road, opens for so long because people want to eat, but you won't want a shed at 10pm."

Other complaints include concerns over potential noise from delivery vehicles as early as 5am, and light and noise pollution.

A spokeswoman from B&Q said they were waiting to hear the decision of the committee, which will meet on February 3.

By Pam Griffin