Plug pulled on car wash plans
CAMPAIGNERS AND MP WELCOME REFUSAL OF APPLICATION
CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a decision to refuse permision for a car wash off the Colwick Loop Road in Carlton, saying it was a “poor fit with the local area”.
Proposed for a vacant spot between Burton Road and Conway Road, near the Inn For A Penny pub, the application for the car wash and valeting business was turned down by Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee.
Councillor John Clarke, leader of the council, said: “In my opinion, the right decision was made.
“It was the wrong place for it. There were growing concerns from local residents about the location and I am happy that the committee made a well-informed judgement.”
Campaigners backed the decision.
A spokesperson for the Stop the car wash campaign, which has a core group of 10 to 12 people, said: “As a campaign group representing the local community we note the decision made by the members, which we very much support.
“We maintain the view that this proposal is a poor fit with the local area and members agree with our view.”
After the plans came to light last year, the campaigners raised several concerns over the potential flood risk and the suitability of the development in a residential area.
The group also said the proposed location was on a dangerous bend.
Changes were then made to the application with access to the site subsequently proposed via Burton Road.
A council report clarified that additional information had also been received in relation to drainage and noise mitigation.
A single-storey building was earmarked for the eastern edge of the site, to include a staff room, toilet and storage.
Four canopies, grouped together, were also planned along with fencing around the site periphery.
The council received 150 letters and all but one objected to the plans.
Critics said the volume of traffic could increase and conflict with other users at a busy location and that there were more suitable sites elsewhere.
However, despite all the concerns, council planning officers recommended the application for approval.
Tom Randall, the Conservative MP for Gedling, said: “I shared residents’ concerns that the car wash would increase traffic on what is an already heavily congested area, and water runoff from the car wash could damage wildlife along the Ouse Dyke.
“It’s also unneeded – there’s a similar car wash less than 100 yards down the road.
“I am therefore delighted that the application was refused. Like the residents of Carlton, I would now like to see the land developed into a greener community space and hope the land owners engage with the local community to do so.”
Ian Jowett, director of IDD Commercial, the company behind the plans, said: “I am waiting for the decision notice for the reason for the refusal after it was recommended for approval by the planning officers, after working closely with the planning officers in doing everything that was asked.”
The application was a resubmission after previous plans were rejected in March 2019.