Car wash plans at former cafe site to be decided

Plans for a new car wash behind a former Café Rouge could be approved on Monday.

The old Café Rouge building, at the intersection of Portsmouth Road and Station Road in Esher, would not be changed but a new business would operate out of its previous courtyard if the plans are approved.

The proposed changes include two awnings covering a washing bay and a drying bay, as well as six parking bays, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Elmbridge Borough Council officers say the plans should be approved, and a decision will be made at a Monday evening meeting.

The applicant has already set up the equipment, according to council documents,  so it can be in operation immediately if granted planning permission.

"There will be no loud machinery as the washing facility will be operated entirely by handheld hoses," planning documents read.

The applicant suggested operating hours of 08:00 to 19:00 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 16:00 on Sundays.

Supporting the scheme, a few residents told the council they hoped the new business operation would "deter further vandalism and graffiti".

However, some residents say they are worried the proposed one-way car wash will exacerbate traffic and congestion on an already busy road towards Esher's high street and station.

"This is not an appropriate business to sit at the 'gateway to Esher'," said one woman objecting to the scheme.

She argued the site was too small and any movement would be "tight".

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