A NEW planning application has been drawn up seeking permission for a hand car wash facility to continue operating. 

The application for the site at 383 - 385 West End Road, Haydock, has been sent in to council planners.

It seeks retrospective permission for a change of use from a car sales forecourt to a hand car wash, with a new canopy, perspex screen, and carport, and the change of use of a garage storage to a tyre shop.

The site is located on West End Road, near to a roundabout and is "currently operating as a car wash and valeting business", plans state.

READ > Newton-le-Willows receives £20m boost for regeneration

Plans, submitted by applicant Mr Seyed, add: "The site had previously been granted temporary planning permission for a care wash facility for a period of three years which has subsequently expired".

In 2023, plans for the retention of the hand car wash had been refused as it was said it "would impair the peace and quiet" for residents.

A planning statement for the new retrospective application says: "A previous planning application has been granted at the site and therefore the principle of the change of use for a car wash facility has already been established and considered acceptable on a temporary basis.

"The proposal would result in the retention of three full and one part-time jobs, which supports the aim of the Local Plan. The retention of the outdoor car wash facility will have a positive effect on the local economy for the borough".

It adds: "The proposed new design has taken into account the refusal comments from the officer’s report for the previous application along with the objections raised by residents, regarding the St Helens Local Plan where the visual amenity is taken into consideration".

Plans add: "The Perspex area will reduce the amount of spray which is carried over to resident’s gardens and will also create a clearly defined area where vehicles are valeted within the site". It was noted "the jet wash and vacuum aspects were deemed to have a potential for noise producing activities and the design has been adapted to include measures to reduce the impact on local residents".

The statement says the business would operate during the hours of 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends and Bank Holidays.

The application is on standard public consultation until March 20 and a decision is expected by council planners by April 22.