Green light for demolition of 'nuisance' car wash

A hand car wash and car repair workshop are based at the site of the former petrol station

Plans for a car wash in a Leicestershire village to be demolished to make way for five homes have been approved.

The former petrol station in Station Road, Earl Shilton, is currently home to both a hand car wash and car repair workshop.

Earl Shilton Town Council had objected to the scheme, raising concerns about possible overdevelopment on the site, as well as plans for waste bin storage.

However Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council planning officers said the site "makes a negative contribution to the character of the area".

'Constant noise'

According to planning documents, the application by S&Y Motors was for outline permission, approving the access to the site from Station Road and the total number of homes that could be built, with a further application required to cement the full details, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

But initial plans submitted show there would be four semi-detached homes at the front of the site and a bungalow at the back, with a parking area between them.

One resident supported the plans, saying noise from jet washes used on the premises was a "constant nuisance".

They also claimed cars queue down the road to access the site - formerly a Murco petrol station - leading to frustrated drivers sounding their horns.

There had been two objections to the scheme, with people worried about loss of privacy for residents of neighbouring homes.

In a report, borough council officers said: "It is considered that a suitably designed development of five dwellings can be accommodated on the site that complements and enhances the character of the area."