ROUND-the-clock opening of the St Peter's branch of Tesco has been given the go-ahead for a one-year trial.

Some councillors opposed the scheme when the issue came up at yesterday's city council planning meeting, saying the noise of late-night shoppers would disturb residents.

But they could not provide evidence to back up their claims in an appeal.

The planning committee were minded to refuse the proposal to keep the store open from 8am on Mondays to 10pm on Saturdays.

But supporters of the scheme won with five votes to four.

A total of 180 letters of complaint were sent to the city council in addition to a 96-name petition saying 24-hour opening would increase traffic, light emissions and pollution, plus the risk of crime.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting on behalf of Tesco, Doug Sharpes, an acoustic consultant for Sharpes Redmore, said the only extra noise would come from late-night shoppers, but it would still comply with all national standards.

"The changes would not be perceptible under normal conditions," said Mr Sharpes.

"There is another Tesco store in Worcester that has gone down the same route.

"There were concerns about the store in Warndon, but one-year temporary permission was granted and now it has been given full permission. I am not aware of any noise complaints during the temporary period."

"I am totally opposed to 24-hour shopping," said Councillor Mary Drinkwater.

"You hear noise at night 100 times more than during the day time.

"I feel very sorry for the people there if it's going to open 24 hours."

Chairman Coun Robert Rowden maintained the planning committee had limited the opening hours of pubs and restaurants in the city centre, so why not shops in a residential area?

Councillor Geoff Williams warned if permission was refused, Tesco would probably appeal and residents' objections would not be enough to quash it.

"We would not have much of a case," he said.

"After a year's trial, then we'd have enough evidence for an appeal."

Coun Gary Kibblewhite argued the reasons for refusal were "hypothetical and unsubstantiated." Coun Paul Denham said the council was likely to lose an appeal, which would end up costing the taxpayer.

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