CONCERNS about a major supermarket’s application to build a new car wash have been raised by a local councillor.

Morrisons, in Worting Road, have submitted plans to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) to change the use of car parking spaces at the back of its branch to a hand car wash, with cabin floodlighting and associated works.

The proposals would see the new car wash placed towards the rear of the supermarket, close to King George V Playing Fields.

Within the plans, it also appears the number of disabled parking bays could be reduced.

Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward councillor, Cllr Michael Westbrook has questioned the location and the effect the amount of noise generated by the car wash could have on the surrounding homes.

He said: “Industrial car wash and equipment in my view has no place this close to any homes or conservation area for the following reasons - the continuous noise of several pressure washers, industrial vacuums, detergent filled mist.

“Unlike the existing car parking, a steady stream of stationary/slow moving vehicles will be emitting car fumes all year round, sevendays-a-week, many hours-perday.”

Cllr Westbrook also criticised the proximity of the site to the River Loddon, the playing fields and also the impact on main pedestrian access to the shop from Deep Lane.

Cllr Westbrook added: “Morrisons car park is substantial and the majority of the parking areas are far away from residential properties and set well within the industrial part of the site.

“An alternative location may prove to be more acceptable in planning terms and preferable for a number of reasons already mentioned.”

According to the plans, the new car wash will run from 8am until 8pm between Monday and Saturday, and 9am and 6pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Steven Liddell, from Venta Acoustics – who carried out a noise assessment for Morrisons – said there was a low likelihood there would be an adverse impact from noise generated at the proposed site.