A car wash and spray booth owner has defended themselves against allegations that their business is ‘unauthorised’ – as they reveal their hopes to expand.
The Time to Shine car wash and body shop in Tilehurst has been accused of illegally operating a spray booth for vehicles on the site, and emitting ‘cancer-causing chemicals’ from paint spray cans.
Representatives of Simon Klosi, the owner of the business, have rebuffed these accusations.
Richard D’Souza, a spokesman and advisor for Mr Klosi and his clients, said: “In 1956 this premises was bought by the Moss family and the two sons and the father ran it as a workshop, Tilehurst bodyshop for spraying cars, car wash and associated car repairs.
“Mr Klosi has invested several hundred thousand pounds in improving this year, he’s invested to improve the infrastructure, and now they are looking to make it all self-contained, and carry on the usage that was there since the 1950s.
“There is no such thing as any illegal chemicals being used here, they are using paints that are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) free, water-based, totally unharmful to the environment at all.
“The oven for the paint has had a sound test done, the decibels are well within tolerance of what is legally required.
“The exhaust fumes are only two per cent of wheat is produced, which is well within tolerance of EU directives.
“So everything here is fully legally and Health and Safety Executive compliant. There is nothing here of a detrimental nature.”
In order to establish lawful use, Mr Klosi has submitted an application for a legal certificate for B2 light industrial use at the site, which can be viewed by typing reference 231165 into the council’s planning portal.
Mr Klosi is being advised by Chris Keen, a planning consultant and agent at The Keen Partnership.
Explaining the reason for the planning application, Mr Keen said: “We’ve got a lawful use application in, we made an application to build a new B2 unit here, but the council wouldn’t accept it because they don’t believe it would have a lawful use.
“It’s been in use since the 1950s, I can prove that to them, but we’ve now made a lawful use of application with statements from the Moss family, the previous owners and the next-door neighbours.”
John Cassell of Cassell Welding, has supported the group’s statements.
Rebecca Moon, the council’s principal environmental health officer has objected to the lawful use confirmation over concerns about noise and odour emanating from the site.
A noise abatement notice has been issued by the council which has suspended the use of the spray booth.
Mr Keen said: “We are going to sort it.”
He added that a noise assessment will be produced and mitigation measures will be introduced.
A council spokesperson previously said that it is investigating whether the business requires planning permission and environmental permission for the spray booth.
Mr Klosi also owns Vesuvio Pizzeria, which opened earlier this year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel