Councillors aren’t waxing lyrical over plans to convert a landmark garage in Alton into a car wash.

A planning application to turn Anstey Road Garage – known to many Altonians as Pritchards – into a hand car wash has been submitted to East Hampshire District Council by Jeff Asemi.

The applicants believe the proposals, which include the demolition of the asbestos-roofed paint shop, will bring an empty industrial building “into good use” and will improve the character and quality of the area.

But town councillors weren’t convinced when they reviewed the application last night (Wednesday, August 6) with pedestrian safety and vehicle movements being major concerns, given its location next to busy junction.

“I do feel we really have to ask Hampshire Highways to investigate this because it could be an accident waiting to happen as it’s at a junction of three roads,” said Cllr Annette Eyre.

Cllr Matthew Kellerman questioned the need for another car wash in town amid suggestions the brownfield site could be used for housing.

He said: “There’s an existing car wash on Station Approach – there seems to be a preponderance of car washes in the same way there seems to be a preponderance of Turkish barbers.”

Cllr Graham Hill said competition is not a planning consideration so the town could have “as many Turkish barbers” as it wished before echoing concerns about access.

He said: “When Pritchards was operating there was already a problem with people parking on the pavement.

“I think it would make it a high-risk area for pedestrians if this was approved.”

While ATC objected on traffic and safety grounds, they were happy to back plans to convert the Queens Head into Holybourne into a nursery.

“Alton College Nursery has just closed so this is going to be a massive asset to the town,” said Cllr Richard Moore.