Plan for car wash on supermarket car park refused

PLANS for a car wash within a supermarket car park in Totton have been turned down by New Forest District Council after it received 112 objections.

Waves Valeting Services wanted to use 14 spaces in Asda car park in Maynard Road, leaving 452 spaces remaining. It also sought to add a steel cabin measuring 4.8m by 2.4m to use as a customer reception and store.

The application to New Forest District Council stated: “The introduction of the car wash will create new and sustainable economic growth in the area. It will have a positive impact on local employment creating an estimated four full-time and four part-time jobs.

“The design allows for both ambulant and disabled customers to either remain in their vehicles while it is washed, or leave said vehicle and collect upon return. It is likely that the facility will be used in association with any trip to the supermarket rather than resulting in a purpose-built trip.”

The application was recommended for refusal by Totton and Eling Town Council. It also drew objections from 112 residents who said they had concerns over the use of chemicals in a public area, as well as the impact on traffic and the loss of parking spaces at an already busy supermarket.

Refusing permission, the district council’s planning officer Claire Upton-Brown said: “The siting of the car wash within the existing aisles of the busy car park would be likely to cause disruption and obstruction to the free flow of traffic within and surrounding the car park to the detriment of the operation of the retail site at busy periods.”

She also said the new business would bring noise to the car park and potential spray which would be detrimental to pedestrians.