Plans to build six warehouses in Maple Cross have been approved by councillors despite noise concerns from nearby residents.
Three Rivers District Council’s planning committee agreed yesterday (Thursday, July 17) to grant planning permission for the two buildings, which will replace Maple Cross House in Denham Way.
A decision had previously been delayed after noise concerns were raised, with the applicant later confirming that a 5.3m-high acoustic barrier will be used to help reduce levels.
While an environmental health officer found “some concerns” with a noise impact assessment submitted by the applicant, Kier Trade City LLP, measures will be in place to reduce noise.
The warehouses will only be permitted to accept deliveries and collections between 7am and 10pm on weekdays, 8am and 10pm on Saturdays, and 9am and 9pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
The hours were reduced from those suggested by the applicant after a speech by a Herts County Cllr, Paula Hiscocks, who said that people have a human right to sleep and raised concerns about the impact on children.
She said the reduction in delivery and collection times would “allow our children to be confident and working in school” by helping ensure they were well-rested.
A proposal by Cllr Steve Drury to ban collections and deliveries on major public holidays such as Christmas was not brought forward after a planning officer said they believed it would not be a defensible condition.
The reduction in collection and delivery hours could still be challenged by the applicant.
Councillors voted six to two in favour of granting permission, with two abstentions.
Councillors on the committee also heard from ward Cllr Raj Khiroya, who urged them to reject the application.
He said it would have “a major impact on the quality of life of our residents” and questioned how the noise restrictions, such as restricting the delivery and collection hours, would be enforced.
Cllr Chris Mitchell raised concerns about how enforceable some suggested conditions would be, such as a ban on “tonal reversing alarms” for lorries, while Cllr Oliver Cooper warned that the 94 on-site car parking spaces, just meeting the expected number, could mean others ended up parking on nearby residential streets.
Covering Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils.
