Car wash plans for Portlaoise business park refused

Plans for a new car wash for a Portlaoise business park have been refused planning permission by Laois County Council over concerns it would create a traffic hazard.

Touchless Car Wash Ltd. sought planning persimmon to carry out developments at Ben Dunne Gym, Lismard Business Park, New Road, Portlaoise. The plans included the construction of a car wash automated unit, a plant room with a water recycling system and all associated site works.

The applicant said: "The proposed development represents a positive reuse of an underutilised section of an existing commercial car park. It will offer a useful amenity for Business Park users and the general public, while incorporating sustainable water use practices and minimising environmental impacts. The development is modest in scale, low in emissions, and consistent with the zoning and development objectives for the area."

It was proposed that the facility would be open 24 hours.

The application attracted an objection from Ben Dunne Gyms which said the development was being proposed at a key public access point for both pedestrians and vehicles.

The gym raised concerns that the car park may become unusable for gym patrons and that no provision had been made for inevitable queuing traffic associated with the car wash. The gym pointed out that the car park has a high pedestrian footfall as it is used by parents and students from nearby schools. They said this footfall had not been considered in the application. They also said there were more suitable sites within the business park for the car wash and claimed there had not been any consultation with affected businesses.

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When refusing permission the Council planner said: "Having regard to the location of the proposed development within an existing car park, it is considered that the proposed development and associated queuing would have a detrimental impact on the operation and free-flow of traffic within the existing car park impacting on car parking areas and the R495. As such, the proposed development is contrary to the provisions of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027, would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and/or obstruction of road users and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."