Woman Emotional at Planning Committee Over Aldi Fridge Noise
A woman became tearful during a planning committee meeting while describing the impact of "industrial-scale" noise generated by refrigeration units at an Aldi supermarket located near her residence.
Judith Richards resides opposite the Aldi store at Broughton Shopping Park in Bretton, Flintshire. The store has submitted a retrospective planning application seeking approval to replace its aging external refrigeration system.
Currently, eco-friendly carbon dioxide refrigerant units are being installed, but some of the existing external refrigeration mechanisms are situated just feet away from residential homes.
An Aldi spokesperson stated that the company had "engaged with the community" regarding the plans and assured that the replacement refrigerant units "will be quieter."
Concerns Raised About Planning and Noise Impact
Richards addressed Flintshire County Council's planning committee, noting that retrospective planning consent had already been granted in 2018 after the store was constructed 20 feet (6 meters) closer to residential properties than originally agreed.
She criticized both Aldi, for what she described as a "failure to consult with neighbouring residents" and to "obtain planning consent prior to starting works to replace refrigeration units," and the council, for not imposing enhanced soundproofing conditions as part of the consent.
Richards highlighted the effect of the "constant noise" from the refrigeration units on residents' quality of life.
"The constant noise coming from the refrigeration units affects residents – throughout the day when fridge and freezer doors are being constantly opened and into the early hours of the morning when restocking is taking place,"
"This is causing distress, disruption and impacts on quality of life and home environment. Yet despite repeated attempts by neighbours to resolve the matter with Aldi, there's been little meaningful engagement and no resolution."
Noise Levels and Site Visit Criticized
Richards also claimed that a site visit related to the current application did not accurately represent the noise levels experienced by residents.
"[It] was held at 10am... that is the quietest period as the fridge and freezer doors have not been opened.
"We all know our home fridges become noisy when the unit needs cooling down, imagine this on an industrial scale."
She played a recording of the noise to the committee before becoming emotional and breaking down in tears.
Richards urged committee members to impose conditions that would "genuinely protect residents," such as installing an acoustic fence several feet higher than the current one or erecting fencing around all sides of the refrigeration unit.
Support from Councillor and Aldi's Response
In support of Richards, councillor Gladys Healy commented:
"If it was me [living] there, I would go mad."
James Borley, the agent representing Aldi, stated that the company had engaged with the community throughout the process.
"Aldi has sought to respond positively and responsibly throughout this process by working with Flintshire County Council officers and neighbours and has proposed additional mitigation where appropriate.
This has included providing three additional acoustic timber fences to border the two plant areas to further reduce noise levels at the nearest residential properties on Simonstone Road and Vickers Way.
The new replacement plant proposed will be quieter, more environmentally friendly and more efficient."
Council Decision
The council voted in favor of proposals to install acoustic fencing on the south and western sides of the store. The details of this will be formally approved by the council at a later date.
