Amazon seeks approval of Covid temperature testing marquees at Peterborough warehouse

The online retailer is seeking retrospective permission for three marquees, two of which were installed in April during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The third marquee was installed in October over the picnic area and was unrelated to the pandemic.

Amazon has around 1,000 permanent members of staff at its fulfilment centre at Kingston Park, while it has taken on an additional 1,000 people over the festive period.

A planning application submitted to Peterborough City Council is requesting permission for the three marquees to remain in place until December 31, 2021.

It states: “These were installed quickly to deal with an urgent immediate need associate with safe work practices. It has become clear that businesses will need to take these measures for an extended period and therefore Amazon is seeking permission to regularise the position.”

The application adds: “Two of the marquees (one situated adjacent to the northern elevation of the site and one situated near the southern elevation) are used to temperature screen employees and visitors before they enter the warehouse building, in connection with current Covid-19 procedures being used across Amazon sites UK wide.

“There is insufficient space within the warehouse building itself to ensure employees can be temperature screened whilst also adhering to social distancing requirements.

“As these two marquees are only required during the current Covid-19 pandemic, based on recent public health announcements, it is anticipated the marquees will not be required beyond 31st December 2021.

“A temporary period is therefore being applied for.

“The third marquee is required to provide temporary shelter over the outdoor employee picnic area in the north west area of the site. The employee picnic area is used more at the current time due to the Covid-19 pandemic but does not currently benefit from protection from inclement weather.

“The marquee, installed in November 2020, will be replaced in due course by a permanent shelter (permission to be applied for separately). Therefore, the applicant seeks a temporary consent to 31st December 2021 for a marquee covering in this location.

“The proposed works demonstrate Amazon’s commitment to ensuring its employees can work in a safe environment during the pandemic.”

A decision on the retrospective application has yet to be made by the council.