MONTHS of being woken in the night by the sound of noisy deliveries could continue for people living near Sainsbury’s in Northfleet.

For the past six months the branch off Springhead Road has been receiving deliveries until 1am on weekdays and Saturdays, under a trial allowed by Gravesham Borough Council.

Previously no deliveries were allowed after 9pm.

The trial period is now over and the store has lodged a planning application for permanent permission. So far the council has received just four complaints.

Linda Mattick lives almost opposite the Wingfield Bank delivery yard.

She said: “I know I can’t get rid of Sainsbury’s, but the delivery entrance is just 50 yards away from where people are living.

“The lorries come in the early hours and reverse in, so you get the beeping and then the clatter as they are unloaded, it does wake us up.”

Ray Parker, Kent county councillor for Northfleet and Gravesend West, is also against the proposal and said ever since the store was built 10 years ago, it has continued to push for extended opening hours and changes to the original planning conditions.

He said: “They are nibbling away at the restrictions that were imposed to protect residents against noise nuisance.”

The matter is due to go before the regulatory committee at GBC on Wednesday, September 3.

What do you think? Should stocking the shelves come before a good night’s sleep? Write to us with your views at Gravesend Messenger, 7 High Street, Gravesend DA11 0BQ, or email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk