Broadway, Didcot: Car wash could be built on vacant site

Changing Lives, at the bottom of Broadway, was demolished in October 2022 due to asbestos in the building and structural issues with the roof. Many residents were upset that the charity, provides relief for those in need by making grants and donations to individuals and organisations through the profits earned in the shop, would face closure if it couldn’t find new premises. (Image: Changing Lives)

However, founder Valerie Prior found a new building only four doors down and was able to move before demolition. Now, Bektas Seyrek, through Granville Forbes Architects Ltd, has applied South Oxfordshire District Council to use the vacant site for a new hand-operated carwash. Mr Seyrek already owns a hand-operated car wash on the south side of the Marlborough Club , the Didcot Hand Car Wash.

Reviews on the carwash services vary on it’s Facebook page. One user wrote: “Good wash and not expensive” and another wrote: “Did a great job at a reasonable price, highly recommended.” However, other reviews read: “Awful service, car was not cleaned properly, could have done a better job myself” and “Absolutely scam, recently they just whack an extra GBP10 on, wouldn’t be so bad if the clean wasn’t under par.”

(Image: Didcot Car Wash) Mr Seyrek now wants to open a second further down the road. The application states that ‘very little permanent above-ground structures’ are needed, with only three tent structures applied for.

One for valeting under, another for client waiting space and another for toilet facilities and a place to store materials. It also states that the car wash would ‘generate employment and support business activities’. In a planning statement, the applicant states: “Non-mechanised car wash facilities have advantages over their mechanical counterparts as they are more ‘environmentally friendly’, the vehicles are cleaned more thoroughly, with less damage and they generate human interaction between the operatives and the clients.

“We ask planners to consider this application favourably as a very positive contribution to the town-scape and grant permission so this new activity can contribute to the revitalisation of this part of the built-up townscape.” The application was submitted to the local planning authority on July 12 and the consultation period opened on August 23. It is due to close for consultation on September 14 with the local authority reaching a decision by October 17.

No comments have yet been uploaded by residents, the council or nearby residents in relation to the plans.

References

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^ Driver FINED after being caught speeding over 60mph on motorway (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)