Plans to open a hand car wash and valeting centre at Hillier Garden Centre in Three Legged Cross have been refused by Dorset Council because of its proximity next to the care home next door.
The application proposed converting part of the garden centre’s existing car park on Ringwood Road into a vehicle cleaning business.
Submitted by All Bright Cleaner Ltd, the plans included six covered valeting bays and additional spaces for vehicles waiting to be cleaned.
However, Dorset Council refused planning permission on 23 October 2026, meaning the development cannot proceed under the submitted proposals.
It was refused because the proposal would result in substantial harm to living conditions for residents of the adjoining Care Home “as a result of discernible intermittent tonal noises from the proposed Carwash operation and an overbearing impact and increased shading from the canopy structures and 3m high acoustic fencing.”
The application, reference P/FUL/2026/02449, sought permission for a change of use of part of the existing car park to accommodate the new business.
The proposed facility would have operated alongside the garden centre, offering hand car washing and vehicle valeting services.
Verwood Today first reported the proposals in July, when the application was being considered by Dorset Council.
The plans would have introduced a new commercial use to part of the site, which is located on Ringwood Road in Three Legged Cross.
The council’s detailed reasons for refusing permission have not yet been independently confirmed from the official decision notice.
The applicant could potentially appeal against the refusal or submit revised plans for consideration.
For now, the proposal has been rejected and no planning permission has been granted for the car wash.