Plans have been submitted to transform a "long-standing" Oxford car wash into a new development which could include a fast food restaurant and flats.

Applicant Luan Krrashi is requesting permission from the city council to change the existing Universal Hand Car Wash building in Garsington Road in Cowley into a mixed-use development.

This development would include a flexible commercial unit as well as two one-bed flats and possibly a fast food restaurant.

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It comes as the applicant says the car wash business, previously also used for valeting services, has been "redundant" for the last couple of years after a new 24 hour car wash business opened nearby.

Universal Hand Car Wash on Garsington Road.Universal Hand Car Wash on Garsington Road. (Image: Google Maps.)

An applicant planning paper says: "The application site relates to an existing hand car wash business and single storey building located at the front of Old Station Yard accessed off the Watlington Road.

"The existing site is located within a mainly commercial and industrial context, with some residential dwellings or developments."

The site measures approximately 100 metres squared.

The applicant planning paper says: "The existing site has been a longstanding car wash in the area.

Proposed development indicated in red.Proposed development indicated in red. (Image: Vale of White Horse District council.)

"The proposed site is within a very sustainable location with comparable or similar developments adjacent to the site.

"Although the wider site is mainly of industrial and commercial use, there has been a history of mixed used schemes including residential and there are some longstanding and new residential properties adjacent or close to the site.

"The development is proposed as car-free, with access spaces."

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi