Permission has been granted for a laundrette in Midsomer Norton, filling a gap in the market as people currently have to travel to Bath, some nine miles away, to get their washing done.
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The change of use application for the old Cottles Candies sweet shop at Chesterfield House in the High Street has been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The sweet shop relocated to another part of the street earlier this year.
The planning application, submitted by Sam Hyden, highlighted the need for a laundrette in the town and said the extra footfall would benefit other local businesses and make an already busy high street thrive more.
It said there are currently no other sites offering this service in the area. “The residents of Peasedown, Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Westfield have to travel to Odd Down, Bath, for this service.
“We believe that planning permission should be granted so as we can provide a service that the local area and residents could greatly benefit from.”
The applicant said that existing businesses in the High Street, such as coffee shops, nail bars, hairdressers, barbers, takeaways, are all places that can be visited in the time that the laundrette service is being used.
The conversion includes the installation of a ventilation and extraction system, but no structural changes are planned. A noise impact assessment was submitted as part of the application.
The laundrette will offer a service where people can wash and dry clothes and bed linen themselves, along with a service wash where items can be dropped off and picked up at a later time.
In the future, a pick-up and delivery service and ironing/folding service will be offered.
The planning officers’ report said: “The nearest laundrette to Midsomer Norton is located in Odd Down, in Bath, as such officers consider there is a recognised need for a laundrette within the area.
“A laundrette is considered a community facility and therefore is appropriate development within the Midsomer Norton High Street.”
Their report said that overall, the proposal will not cause significant harm through loss of light, overshadowing, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, noise, smell, traffic or other disturbance.
There had been concerns that the proposed ventilation and extraction system would be harmful to nearby residential properties through scent and noise pollution.
A noise survey was submitted which was reviewed by the council’s environmental protection officer who confirmed the proposal was not likely to cause harm to neighbours and this could be secured through a condition ensuring the equipment installed does not allow noise levels to exceed 43 decibels.
The permitted hours of the laundrette will be Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 8pm and at weekends from 8am to 6pm.
