“Dangerous” plans to open a car wash next to a primary and pre-school have been withdrawn after dozens of complaints from worried parents and neighbours.

The proposal was to open the business off Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, on an area of hardstanding next to Vinters Road Car Park, sometimes used as an overflow parking area.

The plan, lodged by Parm Rathore, was for the car wash to open daily, between 8.30am and 6pm on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on weekends.

If approved, the 990 sq m site would have included three electric vehicle charging ports and an oil interceptor tank - a piece of equipment that traps water running off from a site where oil is present.

However, Maidstone council received around 40 objections, with many people concerned about how close it was to the neighbouring Trinity Pre-School and Valley Invicta Primary School.

Worries ranged from the health effects of fumes and chemicals to gridlock fears at drop-off and pick-up times and the risk of accidents with so many children walking along the route.

Site manager at Valley Invicta Primary School, Steve Weston, told the council: “I oppose this development due to the health and safety implications to us here at the school and to our neighbouring pre-school, Trinity.

“I often find myself, at the beginning and end of the school day, having to manage the traffic on the already very busy Vinters Road to ensure the safe entry/exit for our children and parents to our school site.

“The proposed car wash will directly add to the trouble already experienced, as well as remove valuable parking from an already very busy car park, for parents dropping off/collecting children from school.

“I would also be concerned about the noise pollution from the car wash and the impact it will have on our children’s learning development and the airborne spray of cleaning chemicals blowing toward our premises on any given day.

“Given that there are three car washes within a mile of this location I feel that this one would be a completely unnecessary addition.”

Martin Arney, who lives in Sittingbourne Road, agreed.

He wrote: “There are enough car washes in the Maidstone area.” He also said it would be “dangerous” to have such a facility so close to a school.

Other nearby car washes are in Queen Anne Road, Square Hill and Upper Stone Street.

Meanwhile, Trudi Kitney, who works at Trinity Pre-School, said the plans had “significant safety implications for the children,” with the extra congestion and fumes from cars.

She said: “I already have to remind the waiting coaches and buses to turn their engines off as it is a no-idling zone. This problem will be exacerbated with the additional cars which will affect our young children's health and well-being.

“Our children currently enjoy listening to the natural sounds in our outside space to help develop their senses. The entrance to the proposed car wash is adjacent to our outside space. The noise from the compressors and waiting cars will have a negative impact on the noise levels and subsequently affect the development of the children's critical thinking and listening skills.”

One mum whose child attends the pre-school said a car wash would be an “eyesore” and spoil the youngsters’ enjoyment of their outdoor space.

She said: “Parents often choose Trinity Pre-School for their children due to the wonderful outdoor space, the squirrels running around and their children being able to build a love for playing outside and getting fresh air.

“This would be hugely impacted by cars continuously going to and from the car wash throughout the day and the noise of generators and pressure washers constantly.

“Is it very, very concerning that a huge increase of traffic in this exact point of the car park will result in an injury to a small child.”

Cheryl Pamphlett, of Claremont Road in Maidstone, also aired her concerns about the development.

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She told the council: “There is already an existing car wash round the corner, opposite Haynes.

“There is absolutely no need for a second one in such close proximity.”

Parent Geoffrey Anderson said the area should be a “safe zone” for children and families.

He said: “As a resident of this neighbourhood and regular visitor to this car park, I have significant concerns about the safety implications of the increased traffic that this business would generate, especially considering the proximity of the adjacent school to which my children attend.

“I urge the council to consider the impact this type of business would have on safety and community well-being.”

Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) said: “Local people have raised genuine concerns over the potential for conflict between vehicles using the planned car wash and children and their carers on the approach to the Trinity Pre-school and Eastborough Primary School.

“Contamination of local surface water drainage infrastructure by detergents is another worry.

“I am further aware that Kent County Councillor Ian Chittenden raised these concerns with officials at Kent Highways.

“We will remain vigilant for any resubmission of car wash plans.”

The plans have now been withdrawn by the applicant.