Plans for car wash at derelict station

A DERELICT service station in Johnstone could be handed a new lease of life if plans for a car wash and cafe are given the green light.

Bubbles Car Wash has lodged an application to refurbish the old Benston garage in Beith Road which has been repeatedly targeted by firebugs and fly-tippers in recent years.

The eyesore site is currently covered in weeds and graffiti while a protective fence to stop vandals from breaking in has been torn down.

Proposals submitted to Renfrewshire Council say the vacant building – which used to house a shop – would be transformed into a cafe serving hot and soft drinks, sandwiches, pizzas and cakes.

A car wash would be developed under the existing canopy on a fresh tarmac surface.

And visitors would be able to eat and drink on the premises as a paved seating area will be formed so people can relax while waiting for their vehicle to be cleaned. A planning statement from agents GLG Lang Architecture says: “The application is for the formation of a car wash facility under the existing canopy along with refurbishment of the original shop, to form a cafe comprising sit-in and take-away facilities with serving and display counter space along with an accessible toilet and a kitchen.”

A one-way system would be in operation at the car wash with a new entrance off the road serving the rest of the brownfield site. The exit would be via the current south-west access on Beith Road.

There will be three lanes under the canopy plus a third passing lane to enable cars to leave without going through the washes. To protect passers-by from spray, a 2.1m mist screen will be built separating the wash lanes from Beith Road.