A CAR WASH in Foxton has been granted planning permission, despite the reservations of residents. South Cambridgeshire District Council initially turned down the retrospective application for the hand car wash, on Cambridge Road (A10), because they felt i

A CAR WASH in Foxton has been granted planning permission, despite the reservations of residents.

South Cambridgeshire District Council initially turned down the retrospective application for the hand car wash, on Cambridge Road (A10), because they felt it would be detrimental to the safe flow of traffic.

But the decision was overturned following a visit to the site by the Planning Inspectorate.

District Councillor for Foxton and Fowlmere Cllr Deborah Roberts said: "I am the first to say that a facility like this is beneficial to the local community, but the location isn't suitable.

"It is on a busy stretch of the main road between Cambridge and Royston and right next to the railway crossing.

"There have already been nine accidents there in the past three years and I am worried a car may turn out and get stuck on the crossing."

Cllr Roberts also voiced concern about the appearance of the car wash. She said: "The carwash has been there for some time and looks quite messy.

"It's the first thing people see when they come into the village.

"The district council rejected the application the first time, so I'm surprised they have changed their minds."

Planning Inspector Peter Burley made the decision to approve planning permission.

In his report he said permission was granted because the width of the road and the reduced speed limit of 50mph in effect meant there was "no noticeable decrease in highway safety".

He also said that, as most of the accidents had taken place on the opposite side of the level crossing from the car wash, "there is no evidence to suggest that the presence of a hand car wash would increase the likelihood of ­accidents in this location.