News

MTS Investments of Chichester, operating from Downlands Farm, had sought to relax a condition restricting operation to between 7.30am and 7pm on weekdays and 8am to midday on Saturdays. Instead, it wanted to operate between 6.30am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and 7am to midday on Saturdays. There were representations from Michael and Ruth Linney, who live next door, and an objection from Chichester District Council.

Director Michael Shrubb told South Eastern & Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner  Philip Brown that the vehicles had to arrive at building sites by 8am. If they did not leave until 7.30am, they would have to join the queue of traffic on the Chichester bypass. He admitted some of the vehicles had left earlier than they should have, but added that if the company was not able to start earlier, the business would be affected and might even be forced into liquidation.

Michael Linney gave evidence of movement of vehicles as early as 5.55am and as late as 9.10pm. He complained about persistent noise as the vehicles passed their house. It was pointed out that when the licence was granted, the then TC had reduced the times applied for by the company. Refusing the application, the TC said that the breach of the existing conditions did not assure him the company would abide by whatever conditions were imposed.

The TC believed there had been no change in circumstances since the licence was granted to justify amending the conditions.