Rudheath car wash remains at risk over planning permission

MSP Car Customs Ltd applied to the local authority in April 2024 for approval for a site on Middlewich Road.

The car wash was already open when it was unsuccessful in its application for the first time around a year later.

Among the reasons for the retrospective refusal were the disturbance to residents – due to almost constant car washing and comings and goings – and the disruption to road users due to build-up of traffic at busy times on the main road.

There was a plan for plastic screening to address the disturbance to residents but the planning officer said this would be 'an alien feature'.

At the time Sam Naylor, the councillor for Northwich Witton Ward, said he was in support of the ruling for some of the same reasons.

Cllr Naylor told the Northwich and Winsford Guardian: "These things tend to drag on and drag on because the planning officers are absolutely overwhelmed. 

"Technically they should stop trading but in all probability they will not stop trading and it will go through the planning process for a substantial period of time."

MSP Car Customs Ltd appealed against the local authority prompting a second ruling by the Planning Inspectorate.

Previously a petrol station, then a tool hire station, it was unsuccessful in its application for the second time last week.

On Tuesday, January 20, Planning Inspector C Harding said: "I note that the appellant has offered goodwill gestures to occupiers of nearby properties in the form of complimentary car washes.

"However, in themselves, these would not offer any meaningful mitigation."

For information on the application go to pa.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/online-applications/ (REF: 24/01101/FUL).

For information on the appeal go to acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/casesearch.aspx/ (REF: A0665/W/25/3372703).