Garden car wash plans rejected in Acklam, Middlesbrough face appeal. Councilors deemed the plan “ridiculous.”
Hewa Saleh’s application sparked local interest. Some people were surprised, while others opposed the garden car wash. He defended his plan to the press, but the council rejected it around Christmas.
The council discussed the plan at a meeting. An officer said they had to consider it fully. Following the meeting, an appeal was lodged, meaning the car wash could still happen.
Janet Thompson is a local councillor. She praised the planning team’s decision and thought the car wash idea was “absolutely ridiculous.” The meeting took place on February 13.
Joan McTigue, another councillor, agreed. She felt they should never have considered it and called accepting the application “ridiculous.”
Paul Clarke is the head of planning. He said they must determine all applications, even if the plans seem ludicrous; they are duty-bound to decide.
McTigue suggested telling applicants to save their money. Clarke was surprised, stating, “It was a legal document, we had to consider it.” David Coupe said they avoided it.
People can get advice before applying, but Mr. Saleh did not seek it. He has now lodged an appeal, meaning the car wash could still be approved.
The council website says the appeal happened February 17 and is a “written evidence” type of appeal. Andrew Glossop wrote the rejection and said the refusal was justified.
He expects the appeal to fail. Saleh had twelve weeks to appeal, and he sent it to Angela Rayner after the rejection on December 30, 2024. The situation continues.