A LONG-running dispute over an unauthorised car wash could be settled next Monday, with planning officers recommending approval.

The car wash in Wimborne Road, Moordown, has been operating for several years without planning permission and is opposed by several local residents.

They say the car wash is 'making their lives a misery' despite a previous planning application attracting a petition of support signed by more than 200 people.

Bournemouth council has served three enforcement notices against the operators, which have been appealed.

The latest application will go before Bournemouth council’s planning board next Monday, with a recommendation to grant planning permission.

There have been 26 letters of objection citing fears over noise, drainage, water spray, highway safety and claims that the car wash does not fit into the area. But the report states that a proposal to build jet wash bays will limit sound, while restrictions on opening hours will reduce the impact on neighbours.

Mike Stokes, who owns the site on which the car wash is based, said: “Whenever there have been problems, the operator has acted appropriately and done his best to overcome them. I have no complaints with the way the business is run and I think a lot of the problems being reported are over-stated. It is a well-used and valued facility.”

But Moordown Cllr Beverley Dunlop said: “It may well not be a bother to Mr Stokes but it is causing problems for some residents who live near the car wash and my duty is to make sure their concerns are taken seriously.

“I’ll be talking to them to see whether they think the conditions suggested by the planning officer would be enough to limit the nuisance they currently suffer.”

The meeting, which is open to the public, will start at 4pm at Bournemouth town hall.