Proposals by MFG to install three new jet wash bays at a Wiltshire forecourt are running into difficulties after a series of complaints about the plans by neighbours.
The Morrisons forecourt in Chippenham is on one side adjacent to a supermarket, but on the other sits close to a number of homes, with some residents concerned that the addition of the jet washes would have an adverse effect on noise levels.
The site underwent significant renovation in 2024 following MFG’s £2.5bn acquisition of Morrisons’ 337 filling stations, and the forecourt operator is now seeking further updates to the site.
While the decision to approve or refuse the application rests with Wiltshire Council, Chippenham Town Council objected to the proposals in February 2025, citing concerns over noise from the machines, and recommending an assessment to consider this be undertaken by the developers.
That assessment was submitted to Wiltshire in May, and set out that the jet washes would be operational between the hours of 7am and 10pm, and that they would have an average noise level of 67 decibels from 1.5 metres away, equivalent to normal speaking volume when heard from three feet away. A booster pump for the machines, meanwhile, would emit 47db on average when heard from a metre away. The assessment highlighted that canopy roofs would be fitted to two of the bays, which would feature solid barriers to their sides.
Two further objections by residents have been submitted since the report was published, however, with one arguing that the noise impact assessment did not account for the increased traffic volumes the jet washes would be expected to bring.
A decision on the application is expected by the beginning of July.
