Enclosed tyre fitting area at Bath Road Hand Car Wash, Radstock

What was proposed

Permission was sought for the enclosure of the tyre fitting and carwash area at a commercial premises beside the A367.

“The application refers to Bath Road Hand Car Wash, a commercial premises located adjacent to the A367 (Bath Road) within the Radstock Conservation Area.”

“Planning permission is sought for the enclosure of the tyre fitting and carwash area.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is in the Radstock Conservation Area, at a prominent entrance to Radstock, with views across the site towards Fosse Way Ridge.

“The site occupies a prominent location adjacent to the A367 (Bath Road) and falls within the Radstock Conservation Area. It is acknowledged that the green setting and views of Fosse Way ridge and southwestern slopes beneath Bristol Road are important features of the Radstock conservation area and form an integral part of the special character of the area…”

“Whilst the Radstock Conservation Area Assessment is dated March 1999, the special qualities of this immediate part of the Conservation Area are still relevant and visible on the ground such that it is a material consideration of significant weight.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included a permitted open-sided structure, refused enclosed schemes, and a 2025 refusal for enclosure of the tyre fitting and carwash area.

“20/02766/FUL - PERMIT - 25 September 2020 - Change of use of car wash, drying and valet area to a mixed use to comprise tyre fitting area (Use Class B2).”

“25/03064/FUL - REFUSED - 29 September 2025 - Enclosure of tyre fitting and carwash area…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation adviser supported refusal, while Radstock Town Council supported the scheme for the conservation area and local employment benefits.

“Conservation Historic Environment - Having reviewed this application, I don't have many comments to add to your assessment of heritage matters in 25/04194/PA02 [reiterated in the body of this committee report below]. I agree with your conclusions that the scheme is unacceptable and should be refused.”

“Radstock Town Council - RESOLVED: To SUPPORT with the following comments. - The Town Council have completed a site visit and are happy that the plans will not cause further harm to the conservation area. - The plans support the continuation of a local business, working conditions of the employees.”

Officer report

Ward councillor’s support

Councillor Dando asked for committee consideration and said employment and reduced overspray outweighed concerns about visibility and the conservation area.

The committee’s decision

The committee permitted the revised enclosure, subject to conditions controlling the start date, approved plans and external walling and roller-shutter materials.

“2 Plans List (Compliance) The development/works hereby permitted shall only be implemented in accordance with the plans as set out in the plans list.”

“3 Sample Panel - Walling and Roller Shutter Doors (Bespoke Trigger) No construction of the external walls of the development hereby approved or installation of the roller shutter doors shall commence until a sample of the roller shutter door material and a sample panel of all external walling materials to be used has been erected on site, approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, and kept on site for reference until the development is completed.”

Minutes