Plans for new car wash building in Malvern Link approved

A purpose-built building will replace the existing blue canopies at the hand car wash off Worcester Road in Malvern Link.

The one-way system currently in place at the site will remain, as will the access that restricts all vehicles leaving to left turns only.

The building itself will include a customer waiting area, a jet wash area, and a pump and staff area.

The site as it currently looks (Image: Google Maps)

“The existing arrangement of canopies and signage is not considered to be sympathetic to the character and appearance of the Malvern Link Conservation Area and the setting of the nearby listed buildings,” say Malvern Hills district planners in their decision report.

“Therefore, the removal of these aspects would be welcomed.

“The new building proposed has taken its design cues from the listed farm building opposite and should bring about an enhancement to this part of the conservation area.”

Neville Mills, who represents Malvern Link on the district council, said the site had been a “subject of concern since 2009, when the first application for car wash facilities was refused”.

Cllr Mills said he had seen water flowing from the car wash down Worcester Road on several occasions and had reported the issue to Worcestershire Highways three times in the past 12 months.

“I have also been made aware that spray resulting from the washing activities is affecting properties to the north side of the site,” he said.

“It is my view that the application should be refused on both safety and nuisance grounds.”

But a letter of support for the application signed by 56 members of the public was received by planners.

Malvern Town Council did not respond to the consultation.

Worcestershire Highways said: “The proposal will see the alteration of the onsite parking provision, but there are sufficient spaces retained and allowing space for vehicles to turn.

“There have been reports of water discharging to the A449 from the existing car wash activity. Therefore, we will require a suitable drainage scheme to prevent any future discharge to the highway.”