Hooty's now poised to extend opening hours at Willenhall store
Discount superstore Hooty's is poised to increase its opening times, despite concerns the move could lead to extra traffic and disturbance.
The store in Willenhall is asking for permission to trade for longer, claiming extra hours would bring it in line with other main retailers across Walsall.
It will enable more shoppers to visit the business at the Longacres Industrial Estate, off Rose Hill.
Walsall Council was being recommended to grant the variation of conditions of its planning permission at a meeting tonight.
The business has been running since 1963 and it wants permission to be able to operate between 8am and 9pm Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The application states that 99p Stores in Willenhall have approval to operate between 9am and 7pm on weekdays while B&M Homestore on Reedswood Retail Park trades between 8am and 8pm.
On some days Hooty's has its trading times restricted to 9am to 6pm, although this can be extended until 9pm on Thursday and Fridays.
There are concerns the proposal will increase traffic, causing additional disturbance for residents. A letter of objection and one raising concern have been submitted to the council. They say other stores cannot be compared to Hooty's as they have better access and are further away from homes.
But, in a report to councillors, head of planning David Elsworthy, said the main potential sources of noise and disturbance for residents are considered to be the store's deliveries via the access road.
Even if the store's opening hours increased, delivery times would stay the same, he said. In the report, he states: "Shopper traffic may increase marginally, but in this instance it is considered that this would not result in a significant impact sufficient to refuse this planning application."
