WHITCHURCH furniture makers CS Contract Furniture fear plans to build a supermarket next door could jeopardise its future - for the second time in ten years.
Aldi has won permission - on appeal - to build a supermarket at Waymills, but CS Contract Furniture which abuts to site feels noise from its factory may lead to complaints which could compromise its future.
MD Roger Belham says industry and retail or residential developments should not be allowed side by side.
And he is speaking from experience - the factory used to be based on Liverpool Road in Whitchurch, and for years fought planning applications to build houses next door, fearing their operating hours would be restricted.
He said: "Eventually we had to give up and it was the reason we moved here.
"When we did I asked for an assurance that we would never be put in the same situation again. I would like the council to give us some indemnity so that if there are complaints we won't suffer any cost or limits on our manufacturing hours."
Mr Belham said he did not know about the application for a supermarket and so did not object.
He has contacted the council about his concerns.
He said: "We are fighting to maintain our position, but we have good order books and things are picking up. We have plenty of export work coming through and have a big opportunity with the Olympics coming up, to supply furniture for hotels."
The firm, which has just under 60 employees, has recently provided tables and chairs for two P&O ships.
Edwina Smart, northern area manager for development mangement with Shropshire Council, said: "A retail store is somewhat different to dwellings in terms of noise sensitivity.
"Aldi knew they were going to a business park and would have been aware of the type of operations and hours likely to take place there. For these reasons, hours of operation should not be an issue."
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