CONTROVERSIAL plans for cooling equipment outside a Tesco Express which are blamed for keeping neighbours awake have been recommended for approval.

The firm has applied to Tendring Council for retrospective permission for the CO2 gas coolers, which have already been installed, at the High Street store.

The application will go before the council’s planning committee on Tuesday after being called in by councillor Giancarlo Guglielmi.

Mr Guglielmi is concerned about the negative impact on the town’s conservation area and said the “incongruous” gas coolers impart a constant humming that impacts on the neighbours’ quality of life.

Manningtree Town Council also objected, stating the units “kick in at all times of the night, waking neighbours up”.

“It has also meant that those nearest are unable to use their gardens in the finer weather due to the constant noise,” it added.

The developer said an assessment concluded noise associated with the equipment would be below background noise levels.

A report by planning officers said it is “regrettable” the cooler has already been installed prior to a grant a planning permission, but the proposal will not result in any adverse impact on the conservation area or the environment in terms of noise.