Second refusal for Wolverhampton church car wash plans
A church's plan to open a hand car wash looks set to be refused for a second time – over concerns about noise levels and lack of lighting.
The New Testament Church of God, in Wednesfield Road, Heath Town, submitted a revised application to Wolverhampton Council.
It concerns land the church uses for parking – at the junction of Jeremiah Road and Woden Road.
Applicant Reverend Ruben King said the car wash – which he hoped to operate seven days a week – would create three jobs and be fitted with a polycarbonate canopy and timber screen.
A noise impact assessment has been included in the plans, as this was one of the previous reasons for the application being refused, along with the loss of parking spaces.
In a report to the council, planning officer Ragbir Sahota said: "The assessment states that the noise generated by jet wash motors, car stereos, the revving of engines and coming and going of vehicles, would have an adverse impact on local residents.
“The report says that the jet wash noise would be ‘clearly audible’ at a nearby GP surgery, and could seriously interfere with doctor patient consultations and treatments where effective communication is essential and peace and quiet is required.
“Also, the application provides insufficient details in respect of lighting, which will be required during the winter months to enable the facility to be open after dark, and there are inconsistencies in the opening hours.”
The council has already granted permission for a new church hall on the corner of Wednesfield Road and Woden Road, and approval was also given to use the land as a car park. The site was previously occupied by an industrial warehouse which was demolished.
Planning bosses have recommended the hand car wash application be refused when they meet on Tuesday.
