RESIDENTS worried about a controversial planning application say a planning notice informing them of proposed changes to a supermarket's delivery times is too vague.

Sainsbury's, in Victoria Road, Darlington, wants to change its planning permission to allow up to three deliveries a night between 10pm and 7am.

Currently no deliveries are allowed at those times.

Darlington Borough Council has written to people living close to the supermarket informing them that an application has been made to change delivery restrictions - but does not give details.

The letter's title is "application to vary condition nine of planning permission, to allow deliveries by service vehicles outside of restricted hours".

The letter states that the application details can be accessed at the town hall.

Residents say proposed delivery times were deliberately omitted. Elizabeth Stephenson, of Quaker Lane - in Sainsbury's shadow - said: "I got the letter, but it's not very exact as to what's happening.

"It doesn't say how the restricted hours will change, although it easily could."

Another Quaker Lane resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There was no reason why the letter couldn't say that Sainsbury's wants up to three late-night deliveries.

"Not giving the details makes it less likely you'll complain. It's a bit sneaky."

Heather Brown, of South Terrace, said: "It's like they have something to hide."

Condition nine of the current planning permission, granted in July 1993, states that deliveries shall not take place between 10pm and 7am.

The reason behind the condition was to protect the amenities of occupiers of adjoining residential properties.

One South Terrace resident, who did not wish to be named, has organised a petition against the proposed changes.

She said: "I'm not against the store, and I'm not against deliveries - it's the noise I'm against. One woman on this street says things fall off her wardrobe when the lorries come."

A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "We will work with the council to reach an outcome acceptable to everyone, and which deals with the concerns of our neighbours."

A council spokesman said: "It is customary to give only bare details of applications. Residents can visit the town hall to check the plans."