The Planning Committee of Melton Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a planning application for a hand car wash. The committee approved the application for a hand car wash at Midland House, 1 Norman Way, Melton Mowbray, subject to conditions.

Hand Car Wash Approved at Midland House

The committee approved the application for a change of use of part of an existing car park at Midland House, 1 Norman Way, Melton Mowbray to a hand car wash, including the construction of a canopy. The decision was made after considering the potential impacts on residential amenity, the character of the area, drainage, and highway safety.

The proposal, submitted by Mr Marco Carrelli, was recommended for approval by officers, subject to several conditions. These conditions included restrictions on operating hours (09:30 to 17:30 daily), ensuring mechanical plant and equipment are located within the existing building, and that external lighting is downward-directed and low-glare. Furthermore, all wash water must discharge to the foul sewer via a silt trap and oil interceptor, and no equipment or materials are to be stored externally.

Concerns had initially been raised by Leicestershire County Council Highways regarding trip generation, access standards, traffic increase, and parking provision. However, following the submission of revised plans and supporting technical information, these concerns were resolved. The Local Highway Authority confirmed that the proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety and that its cumulative impact on the local road network would not be severe.

Environmental Health officers also initially raised objections concerning noise, lighting, and drainage. These were addressed through further information provided by the applicant, leading to no further objections being raised, provided the recommended conditions were attached to any permission.

The application was called to committee due to more than 10 representations being received which were contrary to the officer's recommendation. These objections, along with comments from ward members, raised concerns about the visual appearance of the site, potential noise from the jet wash, the general upkeep of similar facilities, impact on the Conservation Area, visual intrusion from signage, lighting, traffic and highway safety, environmental concerns, overdevelopment, loss of amenity for nearby residents, and conflict with local planning policy.

Despite these objections, the committee ultimately voted to approve the application. Councillor Mike Brown proposed the approval, seconded by Councillor Leigh Higgins. The decision was made with 4 votes in favour, 4 against, and 0 abstentions, with the Chair, Councillor Christopher Evans, exercising his casting vote for approval.

The site is located within an established commercial area, and officers considered the proposed use compatible with surrounding commercial and employment activities. The development was seen as supporting local economic activity and making efficient use of previously developed land. The Melton Mowbray Conservation Area was also considered, with the Council's Conservation Officer raising no objections, stating that the change of use would not be unduly prominent to the streetscene and would not cause undue harm.

The decision aligns with the council's corporate priority of Delivering sustainable and inclusive growth in Melton and various policies within the Melton Local Plan, including those relating to sustainable development, settlement character, heritage assets, accessibility, parking, transport, and design. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2026 was also a key consideration.

The meeting also included a discussion on the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 August 2026. Councillor Marilyn Gordon requested an amendment to the minutes concerning the location of a decision, which was agreed.

The committee also noted the introduction of The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which come into force on 31 October 2026. These regulations introduce a National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions, which all relevant local planning authorities in England must follow. The council will need to update its Constitution, Planning Scheme of Delegation, and associated Planning Committee procedures to ensure compliance. A member briefing on these regulations is scheduled for 21 October 2026.