‘Eyesore’ shipping container scheme village car wash rejected
Proposals to keep a shipping container and a seating area on the forecourt of a village car wash business have been refused.
Wakefield Council rejected a retrospective planning application for the structures at the premises in Ackworth.
Seven objections to the scheme were submitted to the local authority, including those from district councillors Jessica Carrington and Allan Garbutt, as well as Ackworth Parish Council.
Residents described the metal container as an ‘eyesore’ and claimed it would create a traffic hazard for drivers on Wakefield Road.
One objector said: “The structures don’t appear to be safe. The signage is garish and not in keeping with the area.
“The metal shipping container is too close to the road and therefore causes visibility problem when exiting the site.
“This exit is used by other businesses and their customers too.”
Another commented: “The canopy which has been erected at the car wash is flimsy and shoddy.
“A high wind will impact this and may create an accident on the road should the structure be damaged.
“The lurid signs are detrimental to the area and create an undesirable appearance.”
One of the councillors said: “The shipping container and canopy do not fit in with the surroundings of Ackworth and are also contributing to the unsafe environment around the business area.
“The whole structural area is an eye sore and not fit for purpose.”
A council officer’s report said: “By virtue of their scale, prominent location and incongruous design, the steel framed seating area and the shipping container have a significant detrimental impact upon the visual amenity of the application site.”
The officer also said it would cause “harm to the character of the area and the street scene.”
The scheme was also rejected due to its impact on the former Moor Top Working Men’s Club, which is a designated building of local interest.