North East council reviews plans submitted for car wash in residential garden

Proposals have been lodged with Middlesbrough Council for the establishment of a car wash in the Ayresome ward. The applicant's documents detail plans to transform their garden, located on Acklam Road, into a public car wash.

Independent Councillor for Ayresome ward, Jackie Young, posted the application link on her Facebook page to alert local residents and invite them to share their views on the proposal. She clarified that the closing date to have your say is December 9, 2024.

Reaction has been generally negative with commenter Johnwayne71 writes that it should be a non-starter: "How are the council entertaining this really? A car wash on your drive in a residential area, next to a church, open 7 days a week... I have a drive, might open a takeaway shop on the end. Has this town lost its mind?"

Jw60 writes: "Imagine the noise from jet washers, vacuum cleaners, and cars EVERY DAY. 100% reject this application." Commenter Colincrankbottom agrees: "This is some sort of joke. Converting a garden into a car wash. The locals must be jumping up and down over this."

The council has officially consulted eight properties in the vicinity. Currently, a council planning officer is assessing the application.

When asked: "Is a new or altered vehicle access proposed to or from the public highway?" the applicant responded: "New entrance to car wash to be created from Acklam Road to enter the car wash from the main public highway".

The applicant further explained that a wooden fence currently encloses the garden. The plan involves removing this fence to facilitate entry and exit, reports Teesside Live. Additionally, four parking spaces would be incorporated into the proposed development.

Waste water from the car wash would be disposed of through the mains sewer, with the applicant intending to connect to the existing drainage system.

If the application was successful, it describes creating six jobs in the local area, with four of them being full-time positions. Should the application get the green light, the operational hours would span from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, inclusive of bank holidays.

Sar Connor writes: "Right next to a pedestrian crossing, church and primary school on an already busy main road? Absolutely ridiculous place for one. Wouldnt like to be the neighbours listening to a jet washer all day."

Have your say! What do you think about running a business from a home address? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.