Politics & Council · Swindon
Haydon Wick car wash faces scrutiny over noise and environmental concerns
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Local residents have raised concerns over a car wash operating without planning permission at a former garage site, as Swindon Borough Council prepares to vote on its future.
A long-standing vehicle repair and sales site in Haydon Wick is set to face a final decision from Swindon Borough Council regarding its ongoing operation as a hand car wash. The Cross Street Garage on Thames Avenue has been the subject of a planning application to formalise its transition into a multi-use site, despite having operated the car wash facility without formal approval since July 2024.
The planning application, submitted by Mr S. Nijjar of Cross Street Garage Ltd, seeks to retrospectively secure permission for the site's use as a car sales, vehicle servicing, MOT centre and hand car wash, alongside the retention of canopies used for the washing area. While the site has been used for motor vehicle services since at least 1997, the introduction of the car wash has drawn criticism from local neighbours.
Three formal objections have been lodged with the council, citing concerns over traffic levels, insufficient parking, and the impact of noise and chemical odours. One local councillor, Stanka Wilson, has also voiced concerns, suggesting that the expansion of commercial activity on the site, which sits at the edge of a residential area near a local park, threatens the character of the neighbourhood.
However, the council's planning officers have indicated that the wider use of the site is effectively established through long-term practice. A committee report noted that the site has operated as a motor garage for over 15 years, likely rendering much of its activity immune from enforcement action. The council’s Environmental Health team has concluded that the current operations are acceptable, and noted that they have received no formal complaints regarding the business since the car wash began operating.
A previous attempt to move the application forward in April was delayed due to concerns over drainage, which the applicant has since addressed. A council drainage officer has reviewed the technical notes and confirmed they have no objections, provided that car wash activities are restricted to the designated covered areas to ensure runoff is managed through the foul sewer system.
If the committee grants approval during the meeting on Tuesday, October 13, the business will be subject to strict operating conditions. These include limiting the car wash to the designated canopies and adhering to specific operating hours: 8:30am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original