'Some sort of joke': Car wash plan for residential garden questioned by readers

Plans to turn a residential garden into a car wash have been submitted to Middleborough Council - but Teesside Live readers in our comments section think that it will be a non-starter.

The submitted documents describe turning an Acklam Road garden into a car wash, with a new access from the road to the site. The resulting business would be 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

If the application was successful, it describes creating six jobs in the local area, with four of them being full-time positions. Ayresome ward’s Independent Councillor Jackie Young shared the link to the application on her Facebook page to raise awareness amongst residents, with a closing date to comment of December 9, 2024.

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Commenter Kevphill is of the opinion that there is no demand for it, saying: "There is no need for another car wash on Acklam Road. A new garage is about to open near Burlam Rd/Acklam Road, which has a car wash. There are several hand car washes in the locality as well."

Reader Bigbry1965 says: "Removing the rear fence to allow access would surely mean that cars would have to cross land owned by the St Francis social club and parish hall. The other consideration is that it will also affect the parking bay on Acklam Road, making parking a problem."

Johnwayne71 writes that it should be a non-starter: "How are the council entertaining this really? A car wash on your drive in a residential area, next to a church, open 7 days a week... I have a drive, might open a takeaway shop on the end. Has this town lost its mind?"

Urbanfox2020 says: "No denying, these folks can generate business, however why would you want such a public business attached to your home address? You as a business owner are pretty much inviting the public to your home address which could risk robbery."

Jw60 writes: "Imagine the noise from jet washers, vacuum cleaners, and cars EVERY DAY. 100% reject this application." Commenter Colincrankbottom agrees: "This is some sort of joke. Converting a garden into a car wash. The locals must be jumping up and down over this."

On our Facebook page, Shirley Peirson says: "Acklam Road is bad enough, it will cause traffic carnage. There are plenty of industrial sites around, go find one, pay your rent. This is not needed on a housing estate."

Sar Connor writes: "Right next to a pedestrian crossing, church and primary school on an already busy main road? Absolutely ridiculous place for one. Wouldnt like to be the neighbours listening to a jet washer all day."

Have your say! What do you think about running a business from a home address? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.