Northampton shop told to remove large walk-in freezer after planning refusal – neighbour reports increase in rats nearby
A Northampton shop has been told to remove a large walk-in freezer after its retrospective planning application was refused.
West Northamptonshire Council rejected an application to retain the freezer, storage enclosure, canopy roof and refrigeration equipment at the rear of Al Madina Store, in Kettering Road.
The cold room measures about seven metres in length, with the adjoining storage enclosure bringing the overall length of the structure to around 11.8 metres. It stands approximately 3.3 metres high.
The council said the structures were too large and visually overbearing in relation to neighbouring homes. It also raised concerns about noise from the refrigeration equipment, as the applicant had failed to provide a noise assessment.
One neighbour objected to the development, saying two container wagons had appeared in the space about three years ago, followed by a refrigerated unit and then a covered roof.
The resident described the development as a "definite blot on the landscape" and said the refrigeration units produced a "distressing" hum.
They also complained that an area previously used for parking had been turned into a commercial food storage and preparation space. The neighbour additionally reported an increase in rats nearby.
The shop argued that the cold room was needed to support its butchery section and provide safe storage for chilled and frozen food.
A West Northamptonshire Council spokesperson said: "The retrospective planning application for the development at Al Madina Store was refused on 29 October 2026.
"The applicant has the right to appeal this decision until 21 January 2027. In the meantime, the matter has been referred back to the council's planning enforcement team to consider the next steps.
"The council will write to the owner requesting that the unauthorised structure is removed and the site returned to its former condition within 28 days. If an appeal is submitted during that period, planning enforcement action would normally be paused pending the outcome of the appeal.
"If the structure is not removed and no appeal is submitted, the Council will consider formal enforcement action in accordance with its Local Enforcement Plan.
"The council takes all breaches of planning control seriously and will continue to work to ensure compliance with planning requirements."