Key Points
- · Bolton Council has granted permission for Morrisons to install a new car wash facility at its Bolton supermarket forecourt.
- · The development involves constructing three jet wash bays and an associated plant room within the existing car park.
- · The decision came despite objections from some local residents concerned about noise and environmental impact.
- · The approval aligns with Morrisons' efforts to enhance customer services at its petrol station sites.
- · The proposal was subject to a detailed planning application and environmental considerations by the council.
- · MFG (Morrisons Fuel Group) is the company responsible for the car wash installation.
- · The council report highlighted measures to mitigate environmental and operational impacts.
- · The car wash addition is part of wider plans to improve forecourt facilities and customer convenience.
What decision did Bolton Council make regarding the Morrisons car wash?
As reported by Sarah Hodgson of The Bolton News, Bolton Council has officially granted permission for Morrisons Fuel Group (MFG) to install a new car wash facility at its Bolton supermarket petrol station. The decision was made after reviewing a planning application for the construction of three jet wash bays along with a plant room within the existing car park area of the Morrisons supermarket and petrol station site.
Bolton Council's Planning Committee approved the proposal on September 11, 2025, acknowledging the company’s efforts to enhance its forecourt services while considering the environmental and community concerns raised during consultations.
What were the key elements of the submitted planning application?
The detailed planning application submitted by MFG outlined the construction of three jet wash bays designed to operate efficiently within the existing forecourt layout. Accompanying the bays is a plant room expected to house the necessary equipment to service the car wash operations.
The application included assessments of the potential noise generated by the jet wash and the environmental impact on neighbouring residents and local wildlife. It proposed mitigation strategies to curtail noise and any adverse environmental effects, which played a crucial part in securing council approval.
What objections were raised by local residents?
Despite the eventual approval, several local residents voiced concerns during the consultation period, primarily revolving around the noise pollution potentially caused by the new car wash. Objections also touched on worries over increased traffic congestion within the Morrisons car park and the impact on local air quality due to additional vehicle usage.
However, the council’s planning report noted that after reviewing the submitted management plans and environmental assessments, the benefits of installing modern, well-managed jet wash bays outweighed the concerns raised. The report also highlighted that the measures proposed by MFG to reduce noise and control operational hours were adequate.
How does the car wash approval fit into broader Morrisons and Bolton Council strategies?
The approval for the car wash reflects Morrisons’ broader strategy to improve its petrol forecourt amenities and customer experience, aiming to offer more comprehensive services in one location.
From the council's perspective, this development fits within Bolton Council’s economic growth and regeneration plans outlined in their 2025-2028 Corporate Plan, which encourages business investment and diversification within retail areas to support local employment and enhance customer facilities.
Bolton Council is actively supporting regeneration efforts to boost the local economy and improve town centre facilities, with projects like these contributing to the overall goals of improved services, employment opportunities, and community convenience.
What environmental and operational safeguards are included?
According to the council planning report, the installation includes various safeguards to limit noise and pollution. These include limiting operating hours to reduce disturbance, utilising modern noise-reducing technology in jet wash equipment, and managing water runoff through appropriate treatment and containment systems to protect local drainage.
The plant room’s construction will adhere to environmental regulations ensuring minimal operational disturbance and optimal resource use.
What are the next steps following the approval?
With planning permission secured, MFG and Morrisons will proceed with the detailed design and construction phases for the car wash installation. The company is expected to communicate timelines for when the car wash facility will be operational.