Aldi Noise Sparks Resident Tears at Planning Meeting

A Bretton, Flintshire resident tearfully recounted the severe impact of 'industrial-scale' noise from Aldi's refrigeration units. Judith Richards lives adjacent to the Broughton Shopping Park store, which is seeking retrospective planning permission for its external refrigeration system.

Existing units are situated mere feet from homes, exacerbating a situation where the store was initially built approximately 20 ft (6m) closer to residential properties than agreed in 2018. Richards criticized Aldi for not consulting residents or obtaining consent before starting works and the council for not mandating enhanced soundproofing.

She described the "constant noise" affecting daily life and sleep, particularly during restocking, and stated that previous attempts to resolve the issue with Aldi had been largely unfruitful. A recording of the noise was played to the planning committee, prompting an emotional response from Richards, who urged for protective conditions like higher acoustic fencing.

Aldi's agent, James Borley, stated the company had engaged with the community and proposed additional mitigation, including three new acoustic timber fences. He assured the committee that the new, eco-friendly carbon dioxide refrigerant units would be quieter. The council voted to approve proposals for acoustic fencing on the south and western sides of the store, pending formal council approval.