PLANNERS have decided more information is required on controversial plans to build an MOT centre in a Malvern supermarket car park.
We previously reported how Morrisons was seeking permission to build an In N Out Autocentres MOT station outside its site on Malvern Retail Park.
If approved, the plans would see around 40 car parking spaces removed from the site to allow for the building.
This week, Malvern Hills District Council's Southern Area Planning Committee voted to defer the application.
This was over concerns relating to drainage from the extra car wash proposed and potential damage to wildlife in the woodland bordering the Morrisons site.
READ MORE: Morrisons could lose 40 parking spaces in MOT plans
The decision was unanimous when councillors met on July 20.
Planning documents from Morrisons say the MOT pod will offer services from In ‘n’ Out Autocentres, which offers MOT testing, servicing and repairs within the car park of the existing Morrisons store.
Similar buildings have been built in Morrisons car parks around the county, including at one in Bromsgrove.
The plans state: "It is envisaged that customers will time their visit to In ’n’ Out with their weekly food shop.
"The average weekly shop takes approximately 55 minutes which coincides with average MOT test time of 45 minutes and servicing taking up to an hour.
"In ’n’ Out currently operate 28 locations across the UK using an appointment-based system."
There have already been objections to the plans, including in Cllr Neville Mills' response, which said removing spaces would add pressure to an already difficult parking situation in Malvern.
He wrote: "Morrisons' garage already has a perfectly serviceable car wash facility.
"The addition of a further facility, together with the proposed service pod will lead to a significant reduction in the number, at least 40, parking spaces in an already crowded car park."
"I think that this could prove most unwelcome among the customers shopping in Morrisons.
"It should also be noted that there are several other car wash/service facilities within the Malvern Link industrial complex."
The plan, which will now go back to the applicant for amendment, can be viewed in full at plan.malvernhills.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/02010/FUL
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