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16
Apr
Fourth bid submitted to operate unauthorised Harrogate car wash
A fourth application to operate an unauthorised car wash in Harrogate has been submitted.
Mohammed Khader has yet again applied to North Yorkshire Council for approval to convert the former Jewson site on Skipton Road into a car wash.
Despite not having planning permission, the site has been operating since 2024.
The news comes just weeks after the previous application, which sought the same outcome, was rejected.
Mr Khader, who owns Skipton Road Car Wash, has been at loggerheads with the council over the operation since it was first refused last year.
The council finally launched enforcement action last November, but Mr Khader appealed the notice and has been allowed to continue trading until a decision is reached.
The latest plans, which were lodged on Tuesday (April 14), again seek the council’s approval to change the use of the site and erect a single-storey extension to an on-site unit.
Planning documents say the rear and side walls of the unit would be insulated using black acoustic felt, any gaps would be filled using acoustic sealant and acoustic double-glazed windows would be installed.
The latest proposed site plans for Skipton Road Car Wash.
Noise concerns have been at the core of this lengthy planning dispute.
Most recently, the council said despite asking Mr Khader repeatedly, he did not submit a noise impact assessment or provide any evidence to suggest one had been commissioned.
However, a 19-page noise impact assessment has been submitted as part of the latest application, which says:
It is understood that the entire car wash process consisting of a pre-wash, wash, rinse, drying and any car valet services will take place internally within the existing building and the proposed extensions.
The car washing building will be fitted with roller shutter doors and any washing and valeting services will take place once the entrance and exit doors remain closed, therefore reducing the amount of breakout noise from the internal operations.
Tests carried out at the site found noise levels associated with the car wash operation "represent a low impact" on nearby properties, the noise assessment adds.
The council will issue a verdict on the plans at a later date.
You can read more about the car wash saga, which has been ongoing for more than two-and-a-half-years, here and here.
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