Manufacturer’s application to extend operating hours refused

An application to extend the opening hours of a clothing manufacturing business on Tweedale Street has been refused.

The business, Samina Fashions, proposed to increase the hours of activity, specifically in the evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

The applicant wanted to open the business to operate between the hours of 08.00am and 09.00pm Monday to Friday, 08.00am -07.00pm on Saturday and 10.00am – 04.00pm on Sunday.

However, it is thought that the extended operating hours would generate an unacceptable level of noise, nuisance, and disturbance from the use of machinery at times when background noise levels are likely to be lower.

The use of the building as a clothing manufacturers was allowed on appeal in 1990 subject to conditions, one of which was:

“No sewing, over locking or buttonholing machinery shall be operated on the premises before 0800 hours on weekdays and Saturdays nor after 1800 hours on weekdays and 1300 hours on Saturdays, nor at any time on Sundays.”

The applicant claims that the extended hours of operation are required to ensure the continued viability of the business, stating that without the extended hours the business may not survive and jobs would be lost if planning permission is not granted.

The applicant also states that sewing only takes place in the building up to a maximum of three times a week and this takes place in the basement. The applicant also stated that only 4 to 5 machines are used at any one time and that they are much quieter than the machines used 15 years ago.

However, no evidence in support of these claims was submitted to planning officers and the Environment Health Office objected on the grounds that the noise generated could be “significantly detrimental to the amenities of the neighbouring residents.”