RETROSPECTIVE permission sought for a new ‘garage and car wash’ may be due to the threat of enforcement action from the council, it has been claimed.

An agent for KVS Design has submitted to Bucks Council on behalf of Ford Street Developments Ltd a retrospective change of use application relating to a plot on Ford Street in Wycombe Marsh.

The site, which is the former premises of Marsh Tackle & Country Sports, and Hawes Plant & Tool Hire, has seen planning applications stretching back to 2012 requesting demolition and bids for both commercial and residential use.

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However, in December 2020 the area was converted to an “auto centre with car wash”, according to council documents.

The business is described as a ‘garage, MOT service and car wash’, with two full-time employees and trading hours between 9am-7pm, Monday to Saturday.

There is also a separate retrospective request to display four banners.

A Mr Farzana Sultana is said to be the landowner, according to the report.

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: The former premises of Marsh Tackle & Country Sports, and Hawes Plant & Tool Hire

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Cllr Marten Clarke told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the new business started trading earlier this week, but that works had been happening months prior.

He also said the business had been threatened with enforcement action if it failed to submit a planning application.

He said he approached the people working there after receiving complaints from residents.

“The whole thing is intrusive,” said Cllr Clarke. “I’ve had complaints from residents about the noise.

“I suggested they speak to the planning authority; they didn’t do that until probably the end of January.

“They have been threatened with enforcement action if they don’t put in a planning application.

“The area is high risk for surface water flooding.”

He said the business had recently put up “big banners and signage” for which it had “no permission”.

Cllr Clarke added he “fully commended some of the work they have done”, such as cleaning the site, but that he felt the business would have “issues” with its change of use application.

He also said the site was raided by police last summer who uncovered a cannabis farm. The two matters are not thought to be related, though.

The applicant is now ‘awaiting a decision’ from Bucks Council.

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