Car wash banned from using power jets to appeal East Lothian Council decision

A car cleaning firm banned from using power jets despite being just yards from supermarket self service machines is appealing the decision.

Crystal Clean Car Wash was given permission to operate from part of a garage forecourt in Tranent town centre last year by East Lothian planners.

But a condition barring the use of power washers was included after concerns were raised about the impact of the noise of machinery on nearby residential houses.

Operators of the business applied to planners to have the condition lifted earlier this year, arguing that it was restricting the potential of the service, but the application was rejected.

Now they are taking their case to the council’s Local Review Body on appeal pointing out the site is in the town centre, at a busy main road junction and yards from the Asda self service car wash machines which are not restricted.

Arguing for the lifting of the ban, they say: “The use of pressure washers is a common practice in modern day car washes and its complete restriction impacts on the potential commercial success of the business which makes an economic contribution to the local area.”

However an officers report when planners refused to allow the condition to be lifted pointed out operators knew this condition was an integral part of the business being allowed to go ahead.

It adds: “If the operation of the business depended on equipment that the permission expressly prohibits, then the proposal should not have proceeded on that basis unless the applicant was prepared to comply with all conditions.”

The application to have the ban on power jets lifted drew four objections and seven letters of support.

Planners refused to remove the condition saying: “The use of power washes could generate noise that would harm the residential amenity of neighbouring residential properties.”

The appeal will be heard by the Local Review Body in September.