Swindon's Cross Street Garage secures planning permission for MOT centre and hand car wash
Site regularisation follows historical operation without formal approval
Cross Street Garage in Haydon Wick, Swindon, has received planning permission to continue functioning as an MOT centre and hand car wash, after years of operation without formal approval.
Situated on Thames Avenue, the site has been used for car sales, vehicle servicing, and as an MOT centre since at least 2009, with car wash operations commencing in July 2024.
The application aimed to regularise activities at the site after its transition from a petrol station, seeking permission to retain the existing car wash canopies.
Despite concerns from local residents regarding parking, traffic, and chemical smells, the Swindon Borough Council’s Planning Committee granted permission on October 13th.
Councillor Stanka Wilson echoed residents' concerns over the site's impact on the residential character, though these issues alone did not justify refusal.
Planning officers confirmed that the site would likely be lawful due to its long-standing use, despite historical lack of authorisation.
Environmental Health deemed the proposed use acceptable, with no recorded complaints about the operations, while the Highways Officer reported no safety concerns.
The drainage officer, satisfied with the applicant’s strategy, ensured that drainage conditions were met, requiring car wash use to be restricted to covered areas.
The committee’s approval permits operations within specified hours—8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
An open enforcement case relates to previous unauthorised car wash use reported in June 2024.
Cross Street Garage Ltd declined to comment on the decision.