Controversial Dingwall car wash approved
A CONTROVERSIAL car wash in Dingwall has been granted temporary approval by Highland Council.
Lexo Car Wash and Valet has been granted retrospective planning permission for one year, to allow the council to monitor issues raised by objectors.
The car wash in Tulloch Street, next to the Lochgorm Furniture Shop, was approved by the council’s north planning application’s committee on Tuesday.
The business had been operating without planning permission until the local authority served a temporary stop notice after concerns were raised about visibility for cars approaching the town centre from Tulloch Street, water drainage, the risk of pedestrians slipping and noise from the power washers.
Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Margaret Paterson called for this to be made permanent, saying it was ruining the area for locals and visitors, but she was outvoted by seven to three.
She said: "I’m not completely reassured by this application.
"I’m concerned about road safety at the site as we already have a lot of problems with Tesco vehicles and this will make it worse.
"I’m also very worried about the amount of water that could go into the canal. I just feel that it is the wrong place for the development."
The application attracted six objections, including from Dingwall Community Council, but planning officials recommended the application be granted.
This was backed up by committee chairwoman Maxine Smith, who thought the business should be given a chance to prove itself, while under scrutiny.
She said: "If we give permission for 12 months and they have no complaints they can re-apply for permission again.
"If there are complaints the council can take them on board and deal with them."
