A FORMER MOT testing station in Moreton will become a hand car wash if plans are approved.

The one-time Action Services in Merlin House on Hoylake Road is part of a larger group of properties comprising a retail shop and vacant office premises at the first-floor level with a single-storey industrial structure to the rear.

According to planning documents, its proposed use as a car wash requires minor alterations to the existing building involving clearance of temporary structures, machine mountings and the establishment of a new drainage arrangement for the hand car wash operations.

The plans also include renovation of the waiting room and to staff/public facilities. The rear yard area would also be re-purposed for valeting which will be carried out below a simple canopy supported on steel posts.

In a design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant Rahman Honar with the planning documents to Wirral Council Andrew Grek, from Axis Architects Ltd, wrote: "The use as a hand car wash is considered to be compatible with the retail functions of the Moreton Town Centre and is compliant with the Council's policies.

"The car wash is totally screened from the main road and activities will not cause a significant nuisance to neighbouring properties from noise or from water spray or flooding.

"There is on-site parking included in the proposals and sufficient space to which will eliminate queueing on the front forecourt or on Hoylake Road."

The statement continued: "It is anticipated that the commercial capacity of the site will involve up to three vehicles per hour for the 'Wash and Go' operation and two vehicles per hour for valeting.

"Customers would normally wait either in their vehicles or in the waiting room.

"Preliminary consultation with United Utilities indicates that the car wash would not cause detrimental effects to local drainage subject to normal precautions which will be detailed in a drainage strategy prepared by a specialist consultant.

"A preliminary proposal is detailed on the application drawing involving containment of surface water in an underground separator tank located in the rear yard area.

"The applicant is presently examining methods of recirculating used wash water although this has not been requested by United Utilities.

"It is intended that the premises will be fully accessible for disabled users.

"The alterations will provide ramped access to waiting areas, admin offices and toilets which at present are on a raised level relative to the main car wash areas.

"The premises will be locked securely outside operating hours and all areas inside and out will be monitored by CCTV Axis Architects LTD".