A retrospective planning application for a launderette unit at the NTS Group-owned petrol service station on the Broadway in Little Thurrock, Grays, Essex, has been rejected by Thurrock Council planning officers.
In its planning statement to the Council, launderette services owner ME Group International said the application was for the three machines (two washing machines and a single drying machine), which had been operational at the site since August 2024.
ME Group said: “The laundrettes provide a valuable amenity to local people as well as providing diversification revenue for existing businesses, helping the existing business to remain viable.”
It went on: “The proposed siting of the unit is intended to facilitate safe and appropriate access to the laundrette and is considered in relation to the surrounding context and specific site constraints and existing servicing, including mains water and drainage connections.”
The units have been designed to have an “elegant and contemporary appearance”, using silver-grey coloured metal and glazed panels, “to be in keeping with modern retail”.
The Council’s environmental health officer was fine with the plans but the highways officer had concerns: “Having visited the site it is clear that users of this facility do not have a dedicated parking area and obstruction within the garage has been observed. The lack of provision of parking raises some concern as the site is at the busy junction of Cement Block Cottages and Broadway and there are currently parking issues in this area. The concern over the lack of parking is that this will potentially relocate onto the public highway raising issues of highway and pedestrian safety.”
Planning officers therefore rejected the application.
