ANGRY residents have hit out at a supermarket giant's plans to extend the hours lorries make deliveries at one of its Colchester stores.

Iceland has applied to vary the planning conditions for its shop at the Turner Rise Retail Park.

Under the existing rules Iceland is allowed deliveries between 7am and 11pm from Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.

However, the firm wants permission for deliveries to be made to and from the store outside these hours.

The extended hours were trialled by the firm last year.

A report, compiled by town planners De Pol, said the extended hours were vital to the operation of Iceland's home and in-store delivery service.

It said: "During the trial period the applicant received no complaints from any nearby residential properties to suggest there was any impact on amenity.

"The results of this trial demonstrate the use of the front of the store for deliveries would not conflict with the policy."

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However, residents have hit out at the proposed changes, claiming the new rules would ruin their sleep.

One said: "I simply can't go back to being woken up at 3.30am when I've got a 6am alarm set for work.

"Woken up by loud noise of HGVs unloading, throwing pallets on the ground, moving metal cages around and slamming of trailer shutter doors.

"I have to keep my bedroom windows shut, even on hot summer nights and I still get woken by it."

Another added: "This proposal will create more noise for residents at unsociable hours.

"Existing restrictions should be maintained and adhered to."

Ward councillors Martin Goss and Phil Coleman (Lib Dem, Mile End) have both objected to the plans.

Gazette: Concerned - ward councillors Phil Coleman and Martin Goss have objected to Iceland's proposalsConcerned - ward councillors Phil Coleman and Martin Goss have objected to Iceland's proposals

Earlier this year it was revealed Colchester Council was considering taking legal action against Iceland for allegedly breaching its planning conditions at the shop.

Mr Coleman said: "We need to put neighbours who have lived here prior to the retail park being built first and protect them from noise and disturbance.

"I do no support any changes to the current restrictions nor approved operating procedures."

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.

View the plans here.