WAITROSE in Wellington has applied to Somerset Council to extend its permitted delivery hours between December 1 and 24 every year.

Currently, delivery hours are permitted between 7 am to 11 pm at the site located at Red Lion Court.

The application proposes to extend the permitted delivery hours to 5 am to 12 am on an annual basis between December 1 and 24.

The existing delivery window will remain unchanged for the remainder of the year.

The application is intended to allow Waitrose to temporarily receive HGV deliveries for a longer period during the busy festive season, when demand for stock is at its peak.

Mr Tim Williams of Firstplan Ltd, on behalf of Waitrose, said in the application: “The proposal will make a positive contribution in terms of creating and retaining employment opportunities for local people and supporting the vitality and viability of the town centre.

“Customers will benefit from enhanced stock availability during the very busy festive period. Improved stock replenishment is necessary to ensure that the anticipated demand is met.”

The main public access to the store is from the High Street, with the Scott's Lane access used for the overflow car park, as well as delivery vehicles.

To the west, the site is bounded by the rear of properties accessed from Brooks Place.

To the south, the site is bounded by Scott’s Lane and a small residential development, Orchard Court, which sits between Scott’s Lane and the service yard to the Waitrose store.

On the opposite side of Scott’s Lane are a builder’s merchant and a bathroom showroom.

To the east, the site is bounded by further residential development and a sheltered housing development.

Mr Williams, continued: “The application site is a busy, popular store that plays an important role in meeting the convenience shopping needs of residents of Wellington and the wider rural hinterland.”

“The supermarket clearly functions as part of the town centre. Indeed, the store can be considered to play an ‘anchor’ role, facilitating linked trips and supporting smaller shops and services in the town centre.”

Waitrose have been voluntarily implementing a ‘Delivery Management Plan’, which incorporates a ‘Quiet Delivery Strategy’ to minimise any potential disturbance to local residents.

The store has been operating in accordance with the DMP and will continue to do so during the extended delivery hours.

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Somerset aim to make a decision on this application by June 1.