A car-wash service in Dover has come under scrutiny since a planning application was submitted.

The CMW Group, in Ferry Approach, is operating a car-wash service in the conservation area, leading to 28 objections.

CMW specialises in car rentals and sales. Its car-wash service has been operating since March 2013.

Louis Melville, who lives in Castle Hill House, which is directly behind CMW’s premises, approached the Mercury after reading the paper’s coverage last month about the company’s concerns over objectors to its car-wash facility.

CMW manager Gary Amner said he was primarily worried about job losses, but Mr Melville said he was concerned about the fact that the car wash was operating in a conservation area.

These areas are labelled by English Heritage to protect the 18th and 19th century suburbs in historic towns.

It is understood that the secretary of state for culture, media and sport is considering upgrading Castle Hill House from Grade II to Grade II star-listed, which would put it on the same status level as Maison Dieu House.

The planning application submitted by CMW is to change the use of its premises to a public hand-washing, valeting service along with a car rental and leasing facility.

The application also seeks permission for the erection of a low-level roof canopy and lighting.

Mr Melville said: “CMW set up the car wash without planning permission.

“When they purchased the land in 2009 they were fully aware that there was a covenant located on it in 1997. It states that a car wash is not allowed.”

Mr Melville’s wife, Julia Stavrietsky, said:“The main reason for those objections is that a public car wash cannot be deemed as an appropriate business venture, with its noise and spray, in the middle of a conservation area, surrounded by a plethora of Grade II listed buildings and right on the main tourist route to the Dover Castle.”

'The main reason for those objections is that a public car wash cannot be deemed as an appropriate business venture.' - Julia Stavrietsky

But Mr Amner said: “This used to be a petrol station and they were washing vehicles as well.

“They had a car wash at the very end.

“We have vehicles come in with salt on them from the sea.

“The salt is corrosive and it hits those buildings.

“If we have to get rid of the car wash, people are going to have to lose their jobs.”

The application will be considered at a planning meeting at the district council offices in Whitfield on Thursday, August 28.