News
Chuckery car wash clamp down
Walsall Council planning committee will be asked to get tough with an “unlawful” car wash and car park operating in Chuckery near to the town centre.
The former petrol station, on the corner of Walhouse Road and Ward Street, just yards from the Arboretum junction, closed some years ago and the site fell into disrepair becoming something of an eyesore. Earlier this year, local residents noticed workmen renovating the dilapidated building and clearing debris from the forecourt. In March, a hand car wash opened together with a fee paying parking facility.
A report from David Elsworthy, Head of Planning and Building Control at Walsall Council, recommends that councillors vote to take legal enforcement action to shut down the business. The report explains that the change of use from a petrol station is a breach of planning control and lists the reasons for taking enforcement action.
The report says that the site has “a very poor appearance at a prominent location in the town resulting in detriment to the appearance of the town centre and the objective of safeguarding and enhancing the quality and character of the town”. Council officers are also concerned over the “adverse impact on the amenity” of neighbouring houses due to “noise disturbance and poor appearance”. The business is also on land earmarked for the Gigaport development.
Car parking on the site is, according to the report, in conflict with Council policies to minimise commuting by car into Walsall. The report also objects to the “unsightly” advertising signs that are in use at the site and two cars displaying “For Sale” signs is further evidence of change of use.
The owners submitted a planning permission request in May which was refused and a further request is pending. The Planning Committee will consider the report on Thursday.