Storm over noisy car repair business

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PLANS to obtain planning cosent for a motor repair business already operating at Latchford, Warrington have caused a storm of protest from nearby residents.
K & M Motors (Warrington) Ltd are seeking retrospective permission for their business off Knutsford Road.
But neighbours have objected – and ward councillor Maureen McLaughlin (pictured) has lodged “the strongest possible objection.”
She says the site was previously used by a flooring company, mainly for storage, and was “clean and quiet” according to residents.
But it became a car repair business in 2011, despite not have planning permission, and the present applicants took over the premises last year.
Cllr McLaughlin said: “Since this change of use, which was contrary to the current planning permission, local residents have put up with extensive noise and fumes, as well as traffic entering the site late into the evening and at weekends.
“This has had a severe impact on their ability to enjoy sitting outside in the garden, or even to leave their windows open in the warm weather.”
She says there is noise from repairs to motor vehicles, smells and fumes from diesel and spray painting and the applicant has extended working hours.
There are also inadequate facilities for the removal of waste from the site and an increased fire risk.
Nearby residents have objected on the grounds of noise, smells, anti-social behaviour – swearing, loud voices, fumes, long hours and loss of privacy.
The site backs on to residential properties on Hawthorne Grove and Knutsford Road.
Planning officers are recommending the application be granted – subject to tight conditions. They say the proposals do not involve any alterations to the external appearance of the building and the outlook for nearby residdents remains unchanged.
They believe that subject to controls the business will be able to operate at a level that will not cause significant harm to neighbours.


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