Plans to turn part of a restaurant car park into a hand car wash facility look set to be approved – despite an objection from the community council.
Happy Lettings and Property has made an application to West Dunbartonshire Council for the site at Black Rooster Peri Peri in Milton.
The firm wants to build a corrugated metal office and clear canopy in the north east corner of the car park.
But the plans have come under opposition from Bowling and Milton Community Council and a resident who have raised concerns over queueing traffic onto the A82 and water run-off.
Planning officers recommend the proposals are still given the go ahead, with councillors set to make a decision at a planning committee meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
A report which goes to the meeting states: “Bowling and Milton Community Council have objected to the proposal as well as one objection from a member of the public.
“The objection from a member of public focuses on the proposal bringing no value to the people of Milton and that it is designed for passing
trade.
“The community council have objected on a number of points including the potential for run-off from the development onto the A82.
“It is considered that the condition for a risk assessment will ensure that this will not become an issue.
“Queuing traffic onto the A82 is also a concern of the community council.
“Both the council’s roads service and Transport Scotland have no concerns on this matter.
“The development is located in an existing car park and any queuing vehicles would be stopped within the car park itself.”
There are no objections from Transport Scotland subject to a condition stating that there shall be no drainage connections to the trunk road draining system.
Concerns were also raised over an increase in drivers performing illegal U-turns but officers say there is nothing to suggest that this would take place.
The report adds: “Further concerns raised by the community council include the proximity of another hand car wash facility. It is not, however, the purpose of the planning system to inhibit competition. The proposed location is an acceptable location and as such does not conflict with local planning policies.”
Policies identify the area as being for roadside services where there are clusters of facilities such as petrol stations, shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels.
Officers say a car wash is therefore in keeping with other services provided, adding: “These provide convenient facilities for people visiting and passing through West Dunbartonshire and contribute to the local economy.”
They agree it has potential for water to run off from the development into the existing car park and recommend any granting of permission should include a condition which requires a risk assessment for managing water and ice on the car park surface.
Agent Chris Doak Architect has also responded to the objection from the community council stating the chances of waste water run-off on to the A82 would be “extremely remote” and that a back-up of traffic would be “extremely unlikely”.
