“UNSUITABLE” plans to build a new car wash near a major supermarket in Brookvale have been withdrawn.

Morrisons, in Worting Road, originally 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 have seen the new car wash at the rear of the supermarket, close to King George V Playing Fields.

The scheme could have reduced the number of disabled parking bays.

It would have operated from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The plans were criticised by Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward councillor Michael Westbrook, who questioned the location and effect the noise of the car wash would have on surrounding homes.

He said an industrial car wash was unsuitable near homes due to noise from pressure washers and detergentfilled mist.

He said: “Unlike the existing car parking, a steady stream of stationary/slow moving vehicles will be emitting car fumes all year round.”

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

Mr Westbrook said he was pleased the store performed a U-turn and listened to the public as the location was ‘entirely unsuitable’.

He added that an alternative location might be more acceptable in planning terms.

It is unclear whether the plans will be resubmitted or altered.

At the time of publication Morrisons’ new plans could not be viewed by the Gazette newspaper.