Dudley Council Pressed to Take Strong Action Against Unauthorized Car Wash
Dudley Council is facing mounting pressure to enforce the closure of a hand car wash in Woodsetton that has continued operating without planning permission, despite losing an appeal last year. The situation has sparked calls from local councillors for immediate and decisive legal action.
Persistent Operation Despite Planning Refusal
In October 2025, the Planning Inspectorate upheld an enforcement notice against the 5 Star Hand Car Wash on Birmingham New Road, rejecting its appeal. The business had been ordered to close, but it has remained open, leading to frustration among residents and officials.
Upper Gornal and Woodsetton councillor Adam Aston has voiced strong criticism, stating that the council must now act. He highlighted concerns from local residents about noise nuisance, poor drainage, and potential traffic hazards from cars queuing onto the dual carriageway.
History of Planning Disputes
The site, formerly the Tomlins Used Car Centre, has a contentious planning history. In December 2023, Dudley Council refused an application for a change of use, citing significant harm to neighbour amenity, visual amenity, highways safety, parking, land stability, and flood-risk and drainage issues.
An enforcement notice was issued in July 2024 after the business continued to operate. The appeal against this notice argued that shipping containers used as offices were not permanent structures and that car washing was secondary to car sales. However, planning inspector Paul Dignan dismissed these claims, noting that the containers showed signs of permanence and that most activity on-site was related to the car wash.
Calls for Enforcement and Legal Action
Cllr Aston expressed fury over the ongoing operation and apparent building work at the site, calling for proper enforcement and the strongest possible legal action, including enforced closure. The appeal decision set a one-month compliance period, which has now passed, intensifying demands for action.
An email from a Dudley Council planning officer in October 2025, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, indicated that the Planning Enforcement Team would monitor compliance and consider prosecution if the notice was not adhered to. However, the council has not responded to recent requests for comment on the current status.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The unauthorized operation has raised broader issues about planning law enforcement and community safety. Residents have reported ongoing disruptions, and the council's ability to address such breaches is under scrutiny. The case highlights the challenges local authorities face in ensuring businesses comply with planning regulations to protect neighbourhoods and infrastructure.
As the situation develops, stakeholders await Dudley Council's next steps, with many hoping for a swift resolution to restore order and address the environmental and safety concerns posed by the unauthorized car wash.
