Why it matters: Murrayside Community Developments, which runs a youth and community centre on Nacton Road, wanted to use income from the car wash to expand activities and provide young people with practical work experience.
The details: The plans, which included a storage container and drainage system, were considered at a meeting of Ipswich Borough Council's planning committee. A children's play equipment area at the front of the centre was also proposed.
Martin Cherrington, a director of Murrayside Community Developments, told councillors the money from the facility would allow the centre to provide more activities, with the extra income key to ensuring the delivery of a new mechanics workshop for young people.
The application attracted 15 objection letters, including from Murrayfield Primary School, which raised concerns over safety for children and the loss of parking for staff. As a condition, it was agreed that all 32 existing spaces would be marked out and dedicated to the school, resulting in no parking loss.
What they're saying: Councillor Adam Rae said: "I believe the intentions with this were honourable and very good, but it's just not appropriate to have a car wash over there."
Councillor Oliver Holmes, the only member to speak in favour of the development, said the facility would bring "considerable public benefit" to the community centre.
For context: Based in the heart of south-east Ipswich, Murrayside offers low-cost and free activities for people of all ages, from sports and fitness to woodworking, youth clubs, social groups and cooking classes. The centre also provides support and signposting for those who need help, and is largely run by local volunteers.
The bottom line: The committee voted ten to two to reject the application, citing noise, road safety and design concerns – leaving Murrayside to find alternative ways to fund its youth programmes.
