OBJECTIONS were raised to the prospect of extended hours at a suburban supermarket.

Twelve months ago, Morrisons on Liverpool Road, Upton, was granted permission to open from 6am-11pm during the week compared with the approved hours of 8am-10pm.

The permission was agreed on a temporary basis to enable the new hours to be assessed.

An application by the supermarket to continue with the extended hours was called in to the borough's planning committee by Upton ward councillor Jill Houlbrook (Con) but councillors heard the longer hours had not been introduced.

Principal planning officer Nick Smith explained that as a result their effect had not been tested.

Cllr Houlbrook told planning officers there were concerns about nuisance and disturbance for neighbours and the ‘creep’ of opening hours in the residential area.

No representations were made by Upton-by-Chester and District Parish Council and of 90 neighbours who were consulted, one occupier in nearby Garth Drive objected on noise grounds.

On balance, planners suggest the hours would be unlikely to be unacceptably detrimental to the occupiers of neighbouring properties. They recommended permission should be granted.

A temporary permission had unanimous approval.