Application for retention of car wash at site of former Danske Bank in Newtownabbey refused

The application is for a car wash business at the site of the former Danske Bank branch at Mallusk Road, in Newtownabbey, which closed in October 2021.

A report to the committee says: “An existing single storey, flat roofed building is centrally located within the site which was previously used as a bank.” It notes that the site is currently being used as a car wash facility.

The report says: “The existing, unauthorised car wash is predominantly located to the front of the vacant former bank building, comprising an area of existing hard-standing where the vehicles circulate to be washed and dried under two separate canopies.

“The proposed retention of the car wash has been applied for on a permanent basis, however, the appearance of the development is piecemeal and involves structures which appear temporary in nature. In terms of visual amenity, the development would not be acceptable on a permanent basis as it would have a detrimental impact on the character of the area.

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“The proposal requires satisfactory drainage on site so as to not increase flood risk to neighbouring properties.”

NI Water has been consulted and has recommended refusal due to “capacity issues”.

A planning officer told the meeting the drainage plan submitted was “insufficient”.

Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter