An unauthorised car wash has been closed down by Three Rivers District Council after neighbours were disturbed by vehicles being cleaned loudly.

The car wash was operating without planning permission at Greystone Works near to The Green, in Croxley Green and was resulting in “significant noise impacts to neighbouring properties” due to the open air environment in which the vehicles were being cleaned.

After an investigation into the use of the site, an Enforcement Notice was served earlier in the year which was subject to a withdrawn appeal and delayed compliance.

Following the withdrawn appeal, those responsible for the car wash were given a final deadline to comply with the notice, which was “respected”.

Councillor Chris Whately Smith, chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “I acknowledge that the car wash was well used by locals; however its location was inappropriate given the close proximity to residential properties.

“I would advise that any business looking to start up in Three Rivers should seek pre-application advice from the Planning Department before commencing to avoid possible enforcement action.”