Poundstretcher has been criticised for bypassing restrictions on lorry movements at its new national HQ.
The discount retailer has started allowing vehicles to access its compound in Kirby Muxloe, near Leicester, from a second gate because of long-standing restrictions on its main entrance.
The business had sought planning permission to extend the hours lorries could enter and leave the main gate at its big warehouse in Desford Lane.
Residents in Kirby Muxloe opposed the plans, saying there were already too many lorries passing by their homes.
Up until now the business, which has a turnover of almost £400 million, could only run lorries to and from the site between 6am and 7pm on weekdays and 8am and 3pm on Saturdays.
After moving its main base from Huddersfield it applied to extend the hours to 11pm through the week and bank holidays, and to 6pm on Saturdays.
It also asked for lorries to run from 9am to 1pm on Sundays.
Poundstretcher decided to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, saying there had been unacceptable delays in the planning decision, while Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had indicated it would have refused permission.
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Now the business has unlocked the second gate, 250 yards from the main gate, after saying it has taken legal advice on the matter and saying there are no restrictions.
The move has infuriated objectors who say the original limits should be maintained as they do not want HGVs passing their homes late at night.
Leicestershire county councillor Peter Bedford said: “I am disappointed in at how the company has conducted itself.
“We have met them and made suggestions about how to compromise and they seemed open to that.
“What they have done is not in the spirit of the rules and they are doing what they want without regard to residents.”
The district council said it was looking at whether to take enforcement action and had not seen the company’s legal advice.
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Poundstretcher agent Peter Wilkinson said: “We have informed Hinckley council of our intention to start the use of the entrance for lorries returning after 7pm.
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“We have taken legal opinion and we are lawfully entitled to use this entrance.
“The issue has always been about returning vehicles.
“The company wants to be able to prevent situations where lorries return later than anticipated and have to park up outside the gates for the night.
“That has been a matter of some concern for residents.”
He said from last Wednesday to Saturday a total of 16 lorries returned from shops after 7pm – fewer than the 10 a day the company originally anticipated.
The company had lodged an appeal against the council for failing to determine the application – submitted six months ago – within 13 weeks.