Revised plans submitted for controversial car wash

Revised plans have been submitted to create a car wash business on the site of a former petrol station which has now been cleared.

Shines are re-applying to change the use of the Kings Arms Service Station site, located off Alderley Road, to create a hand car wash and valeting service. The scheme includes building a manager's office, staff room, customer waiting room and storage room on the site.

The application (reference 16/5610M) is a resubmission of 16/3309M which was withdrawn prior to determination on 20th September 2016 due to concerns raised by the council and local residents relating to matters including highway safety and lack of information regarding noise impact and land contamination.

In an attempt to address the concerns which were previously raised, a number of changes have been made to the initial scheme including the removal of the office building from the front of the site.

Additionally, the proposed canopy, which is described as being similar in appearance to those typically seen at a petrol station and which previously existed on the site, has been reduced in length by 2 metres from 22 metres to 20 metres and its height has been reduced by 0.5 metres.

Another change is the introduction of a clear plastic screen, 2.3 metres high and 14 metres long, along the Alderley Road boundary to the rear of the existing wall, to prevent over spray onto the adjacent footpath and road. This is described as also acting as an acoustic screen to properties on the opposite side of Alderley Road.

Following concerns raised by the council, the height of the free-standing sign at the front of the site has been reduced from 7.4 metres to 5.95 metres.

It is proposed that the business will employ 4 full time and 4 part time members of staff and be open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 5.30pm on Sundays.

There will be space on site for 3 car parking spaces for staff along with 6 spaces for customers waiting for their cars to be serviced.

Councillor Rod Menlove said "This is most unwelcome news and goes against the express wishes of the local residents and businesses who objected to the July application. This time the applicants have submitted reports from professional organisations in attempts to counter those objections. I am in contact with the residents' group opposing the application and will give all possible assistance."

Wilmslow Town Council's Planning Committee recommend refusal of the previous planning application on the grounds of the likely impact on the highway caused by vehicles queueing to access the facility, they also raised concerns over the adequacy of the drains and treatment of waste water from the car wash.

In addition objections were received from around 70 local residents who felt it was out of keeping with the area and should be located on an industrial estate, would increase congestion on Alderley Road, cause safety issues at the adjacent bus stop, noise pollution from the high pressure machinery and potential flooding.

The revised plans can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for reference 16/5610M. The last date for submitting comments is 14th December and a decision is expected by 13th January 2017.

Tags:

Alderley Road, Planning Applications