College professor protests at shop’s plan to close later

Professor Simon Biggs has lodged a formal objection to the application by Scottish Midland Co-operative Society for its store at Marchmont Road. He is concerned the extra hour of trade seven days a week will lead to more noise complaints.

Prof Biggs said: “Groups of students already tend to congregate outside the shop, making a lot of noise. Extending this licence would mean residents of the area, including many families with young children, will be disturbed later into the night than they currently are.”

He said the later closing time will mean noise from the shutters being closed will occur at a time when most people have gone to bed, and said the existing parking problem will be exacerbated.

He said the existing trading hours already cause noise that “disrupts sleep”.

The application is due to be considered on Friday.