Hand car wash refused by Fenland Council who say it’s not suitable within a town’s conservation area and would be too noisy

Site of proposed car wash, March (Image: Archant)

New owners want to take over Dave Negus Cars Ltd and applied for change of use for the site at 82 High Street, March.

But Fenland Council said it would result in “harm to the character and appearance of the March Conservation Area”.

Conservation officer Katie McAndrew said: “On balance the proposal put forward is not considered acceptable because it would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“The present nature of the site is such that it doesn’t make a positive contribution to the character of the March Conservation Area in aesthetic terms or historic terms.”

Site of proposed car wash, March (Image: Archant)

She added: “There is a concern that the proposed use with the intended structures will further worsen the situation. If the scheme omitted the steel framed washing bay structure it would be more acceptable in conservation terms.”

Ms McAndrew felt that the car wash would not specifically harm the setting of two listed buildings nearby (one of which, Audmoor House, is occupied by this newspaper).

March Town Council had raised an objection about access and highways but the county council told Fenland planners these could be dealt with by conditions.

Environment and health officials wanted more information about possible noise levels and they felt the proposed opening hours were “excessive”

Site of proposed car wash, March (Image: Archant)

A case officer who compiled the report for the council said three jobs would have been created but noted there were identical facilities in the town centre “such as the car was at the BP garage on Dartford Road”.