Wellington flat and barber shop plan withdrawn after 'Sponge Bob Car Wash' noise concern raised

Plans to turn a disused office into a barber shop and a one-bed flat have been withdrawn after council planners asked for more information.

Arleston resident Mubasher Mehmood had proposed to bring the office back into use and employ three people at 48a Walker Street, in the Wellington Conservation Area.

But Telford & Wrekin Council officials have told planning agent Robert Metcalfe, of EMS Design, in Market Drayton, that the residential element needs a noise assessment.

"Given the proximity of the development to both the sorting office, together with the Sponge Bob Car Wash, the application needs to be backed by a noise assessment to demonstrate the acceptability of the residential element to this," an officer wrote.

The official pointed out that this process would take too much time and this necessitated the withdrawal of the plan, or it would be refused.

Councillor Paul Davis (Labour, Haygate and Park ward) and a resident both objected to the proposed use as a barber shop.

Councillor Davis wrote: "The change of use to a barber shop, given the significant number already available in the town, further dilutes the market and would harm the many existing barber shop businesses.

"I also have significant concerns over the standard and style of signage should a change of use to a barbers be permitted."

There were also concerns that it could become a HMO.

A resident added that a "small, high-turnover barbershop does not provide the stable, sustainable contribution expected of development in this sensitive setting”.

"A well-designed residential use, however, would improve occupancy, contribute to passive surveillance, and complement ongoing heritage led regeneration."

A planning official has told the agent that use of the site as a barber shop "can be supported in policy terms" but called for a "better standard of shop front" in the conservation area.

Agent Mr Metcalfe had told council planners the proposal “brings a vacant building back into active use, supports local employment and service provision, and introduces residential accommodation within a sustainable town centre location”.

It was proposed that the flat would be behind the barber shop, have one bedroom and would be for “social, affordable or intermediate” rent.

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