Concern rises over 24-hour car wash

A 24-hour car wash set to be built in St Johns is facing opposition from local residents and business owners.

Pacific Carwash Systems Ltd was granted non-notified consent in January 2015 to build the car wash at 277 St Johns Road.

In January this year, Auckland Council granted consent for the operation hours of the business to be increased to 24 hours.

The move has not pleased local businessman Kelvin Syme, who owns the Sunhill Garden Centre close to the site.

“[It’s] not really quite what I’m wanting up in this area which we think is a community based area,” said Mr Syme.

Mr Syme said the car wash will “most definitely” have an effect on the car parking facilities for his business.

The St Johns site where a 24 hour car wash is to be built. Photo: Supplied

The Meadowbank and St Johns Residents Association has also received negative feedback from members of the community about the 24-hour car wash.

Chairperson Ruth Mackintosh said there have been no responses of support from the public for the operation.

“It is unanimously in agreement that it is not a very good thing to have there,” said Ms Mackintosh.

The community has responded with concerns that the structure will be unsightly and bring unwanted activity to the area.

Questions have also been raised about why the community was not provided the opportunity to have their say.

Impact on the citywide views in a “beautiful” area is another substantial concern for Ms Mackintosh.

However, the council report said all potential negative effects have been considered and they have been judged as being ‘below minor’. That includes parking, which the report said will not be affected.

Non-notified consent can be granted when no person will be adversely affected by the operation of a facility.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Pacific Carwash Systems Ltd did “not have anything to say” on the development.

Construction of the car wash is yet to begin.