Fears Rise Over Surrey Car Wash Plans Behind Empty Restaurant

Esher: So, there’s this plan to turn the old Café Rouge site into a car wash. It’s been sitting empty for a while, and now some folks think it could be a good idea. They want to use the parking area for a hand car wash, which sounds pretty straightforward.

But not everyone is on board. Some people think it’ll just make traffic worse on an already busy road. Others are worried about safety, especially with all the foot traffic around there. It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

The car wash would take up a decent chunk of land, about 748 square meters, and they’re planning to put up some awnings for the washing and drying bays. The old restaurant building would stay as is, which is a plus for some locals who appreciate its history.

The guy behind the car wash already runs a similar business nearby and thinks this spot is perfect. He’s even set up the equipment, ready to go as soon as he gets the green light from the council.

According to the planning documents, there won’t be any noisy machines, just handheld hoses. They’re suggesting hours from 8 am to 7 pm on weekdays and a bit shorter on Sundays. Sounds reasonable, right?

Supporters say it’s a handy location for people who want to drop off their cars and then head to the station. But others are worried about the traffic it might bring, especially with the high street so close.

People are also upset about the state of the old Café Rouge, calling it an eyesore. Some think the land would be better used for a supermarket or housing instead of another car wash.

There are already a few car washes in the area, and some folks are questioning the working conditions in that industry. Plus, people working in nearby offices are worried about the noise and disruption from a car wash open seven days a week.

The council is set to make a decision on this proposal on January 13, and it’s currently recommended for approval. It’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out!