WILMSLOW residents are split over plans to convert a former petrol station into a hand car wash.

The Guardian reported last week that a controversial planning application to convert the Kings Arms service station in Alderley Road into a car wash had been resubmitted by Isa Dajci, from Shines.

The application, which was submitted on Friday, November 18, follows an earlier application by Mr Dajci to convert the site to a car wash which was withdrawn this summer.

Cllr Rod Menlove, Conservative borough councillor for Wilmslow East, told the Guardian that he would push for the application to be refused as a “wholly inappropriate” use of the site.

Activist group Residents of Wilmslow (RoW), which aims to protect green space in the town, has also vowed to “protect residents” from an application they see as obtrusive.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith, town councillor for Wilmslow East and RoW member, said: “In view of the overall proposed development for Wilmslow, this pseudo-industrial type car wash on the busy, residential Alderley Road is totally unacceptable.

But several readers have told the Guardian that a new car wash could be a welcome addition to the town.

Commenting on Facebook, Bea Lovelock said: “It's what Wilmslow is missing.

“I would love a hand car wash on an old petrol station that used to be used for cars to fill up with petrol – so added traffic would not be an issue.

“How can it not be in keeping with the area when it is waste ground and looks ridiculous now?”

Melanie Connor said: “This used to be a garage with good business, cars in and out, plus it us an eyesore now.

“It won't be housing so why not have a viable business on it?”

Ric Harris added: “Given how much is spent on cars in Wilmslow I'm sure this would make a fortune.

“So long as there's adequate off-road space to accommodate a queue of cars I can't see why this would be a bad thing.”

Other readers commented that the location was “convenient”, and traffic was “never an issue” at the old petrol station.