A SUPERMARKET chain which provoked anger from nearby residents with the noise of its lorries has applied to dramatically increase its delivery times.

Lidl, in Cartersfield Road, Waltham Abbey, wants to increase the times its lorries can make deliveries to from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

It is currently not allowed deliveries on Sundays or holidays at all, and its current week day delivery times of 7.30am to 6.30pm have already drawn significant complaints from neighbours.

Kevin Raby, 50, of Sewardstone Road, said: “We have had no notification of this. We are not happy. We have already got issues with the lorries using the street as a lorry park. It's only going to get worse if they deliver from 7am. All you can hear is doors opening and slamming.

“I'd object to it. It's yet another blot on the lives of local residents.”

Lidl has already had its request for longer hours turned down by council officers but has now appealed that decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

Jane Lucas, 45, of Sewardstone Road, said: “There's just no way they should get it. It's just ridiculous. When as residents are we going to get a break from lorries? How would you like it if every day at 7am you were woken up by lorries?

“The lady next door has grandchildren. You have to think of the people round here. I'm absolutely opposed to it.”

Lidl has also submitted a separate application to allow it to sell newspapers, magazines, and greeting cards.

Conditions on its planning licence currently prevent it from doing so on the grounds it would be harmful to town centre shops.

But Mr Raby said the store already sold the items listed adding: “I don't know what the point of putting a restriction in was.”

Lidl has been asked to comment.

A decision date for its inspectorate hearing has not been set. Residents can make representations to Epping Forest District Council at its Civic Offices, in Epping High Street.