A WRANGLE which ensued when Barnsley Council refused permission for a new car wash will be decided by a government body after the man behind the plans decided to appeal.

Wayne Hadfield, who has twice been rejected by the local authority’s planning board, lodged his grievance with the Planning Inspectorate, which has the power to overrule the council’s decision.

The businessman sought to turn land at Three T’s Business Park, in Blacker Hill, into a car wash.

Having been rejected initially, revised plans reduced the car wash’s footprint but six letters of objection were still submitted during a public consultation phase before the board opted to side with the refusal again.

However, the Chronicle can reveal that the Planning Inspectorate will now decide whether or not the last rejection was justified, with final evidence due to be submitted by all parties concerned by May 15.

A decision will then be taken, which could see Mr Hadfield secure permission if an inspector sides with him.

A council report said: “Since the refusal of the first application the redline boundary of the site has been reduced - 1,450m2 down to 768m2 - and does not include the area to the west which was previously proposed to accommodate queuing traffic and staff or visitor parking.

“It is believed that this area now accommodates the unauthorised car sales business and will be subject to enforcement action.

“This proposal is for a car wash which likely utilises noise generating equipment such as generators, jet washes and vacuums.

“Jet washes generate spray which can cause nuisance to neighbouring building users.

“Furthermore, the combustion engine cars utilising the car wash would likely have their engines running and there would also be music playing within the cars.

“The applicant continues to rely on land outside of the applicant’s ownership or control to ensure the safe operation, access and egress of the site.

“Furthermore, there would be an intensification in use of Chambers Road which currently only accommodates a modest number of vehicle movements.”

It’s not the first time the applicant has been in a planning row with the council, after plans for a 116-space car park on Old Mill Lane were refused.

The council report added: “The main points of concern were around increased congestion, reduced highways safety, potential contamination from the site, land ownership and conflict between cars waiting to be washed and vehicles entering the business site.

“The closest residential properties to the site are over 50m away and are also shielded by the existing buildings within Three T’s Business Park, as such, it is unlikely the proposed car wash would significantly impact upon the amenity of neighbouring residents.

“However, the site is immediately adjacent to a number of business units and could negatively impact the occupants of those units.

“It is noted that the applicant and their agent have referenced other car washes within the area and their proximity to more sensitive neighbouring properties.

“However, each case should be considered on its own merits and the applications referred to were generally accompanied by a noise survey and subject to a number of mitigation measures that were conditioned.

“Furthermore, the current application would encroach onto the neighbouring business park and the objections received highlight that the car wash would negatively impact how they operate their business.

“In the opinion of the local planning authority the proposed development would result in the intensification in use of a sub-standard access potentially leading to queuing vehicles in busy times.

“Furthermore, the applicant relies on land outside of their ownership or control to ensure the safe operation, access and egress of the site and there is no evidence that a right of way has been secured and there is no guarantee that the landowners will permit a right of access in perpetuity.

“As such, there is no reasonable expectation that the development could be implemented.”

The Chronicle contacted Mr Hadfield for a comment.