An increasingly noisy row has broken out on Dundas Street concerning early-morning disturbance or the lack of it.
Archipelago Artisan Bakery at No. 39 has been granted retrospective planning permission to change its use from a Class 1 bakery to a hybrid Class 4 (making of baked goods for wholesale).
But during the application process (Ref. 15/03641/FUL), an upstairs neighbour submitted various objections via lawyers concerning alleged irregularities and loss of amenity caused by noise from the bakery’s activities.
As a result, the Council has now granted planning permission on condition that a suspended and well-sealed acoustic ceiling be installed, and tables and chairs be fitted with rubber feet.
Furthermore, the hours of operation are to be restricted to 7.00am–7.00pm daily.
Archipelago’s owner Caroline Walsh contests the accuracy of her neighbour’s claims. She also questions the validity of the noise impact assessment which helped inform the Council’s decision, and has received professional advice throwing its findings into doubt.
In any case, she says, the limited very early-morning actvity is an almost noiseless process conducted with hushed voices and involving no machinery.
Walsh says the cost of the ceiling is unaffordable in the short term, and adds that staff need to shape and prove the dough between 5.00am and 7.15am in order for it to be ready when customers arrive. The effect of the planning conditions would be ‘financially crippling’ for the business.
For these reasons she is now appealing the Council’s decision, and has launched paper and online petitions which, combined, have so far attracted around 900 signatures.
Whatever the niceties at issue here, the case has also raised passions among those who see it in the context of David-and-Goliath struggles between small independents and retail giants (Tesco now operates opposite from 6am–11pm).
Others still view it as evidence of growing tension between city-centre commercial needs and residential rights and expectations (see Breaking news, 2.2.15, 6.7.15, 28.2.16).
We understand that the case is likely to be discussed at this evening’s meeting of the New Town & Broughton Community Council.
--------------------------------
@theSpurtle @archi_artisan So traffic from 5am doesn't disturb your neighbour? Did me when I lived on Dundas St, I never complained. Signed.
Rhona Stewart Cameron When will the Council listen to the residents for a change. After 25 years living in Dundas Street traffic noise has never been a problem - yet, but believe me when a cafe or restaurant opens up next door to you it can make life a living hell. Smells and noise are just part of it and no amount of cladding or soundproofing help. Believe me I've been there. As regards Tesco I am now awakened every morning to wheeled 'cages' being rolled on and off Tesco's lorry. This morning the Lorry couldn't fit in the parking space so he just backed into the communal bin pushing it further into the residents parking area which really irritated me as these spaces are like gold dust.
Lynn Henni It's worth reporting to the council every time a Tesco lorry does this - otherwise there is no evidence on record if formal complaints/requests for limits to eg hours of loading are made in future.