OLD Sarum Airfield boss Grenville Hodge has hit back at claims he does not have planning permission to build a car wash service - after planning enforcement officers were called to the airfield last week. 

The work, which started last month, “constituted a breach of planning control”, according to the officers. 

In an email from a Wiltshire Council Planning Enforcement Officer to Ian McLennan, councillor for Laverstock, Ford and Old Sarum, seen by the Journal, it was confirmed that “works have commenced in relation to the tidying and clearing of the land and replacing existing pipework, and it was confirmed by the owner that the proposed use of the land is for a hand car wash.”

This was on an area of land adjacent to the Portway.

But speaking to the Journal, Mr Hodge said: "The planning enforcement officer is incorrect, or hasn't done their homework. 

"The planning permission required is B1, which this land has. We think it’s a good service for the local community – and very suitable. 

"We are trying to do our best for the airfield, and we are being attacked left and right."

B1 planning permission is required for work which can be carried out in any residential area without detriment to the amenity of that area by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash, dust or grit.

The planning enforcement officer added: “The owner has been advised that if they intend to use the land as a hand car wash, this would amount to a material change of use of the land and would therefore constitute development which requires formal planning permission to be obtained from [Wiltshire Council].

“As no such permission has been granted for this use at this time, any works undertaken on site would constitute a breach of planning control.

“On this basis, the owner has been advised to cease all works associated with this material change of use forthwith until such this time that a planning permission authorising such a use has been obtained.

“We will monitor the site over the coming days to ensure that all such works have ceased and should works continue at the site, the LPA will then consider the expediency of serving a Temporary Stop Notice formally requiring the cessation of works.”

Cllr McLennan said: “This work clearly contravenes the use of what this land is for, and a planning application is needed.

“They may now put in an application while the Temporary Stop Notice is in place, so their equipment can stay in place, and if it gets rejected they can lodge an appeal which means it can stay there longer - they can be taken to court if it carries on, but it has stopped for now.

"I have asked people to keep an eye out on the workmen and to report them if any work resumes, but for now it looks like calling the enforcement officer has worked.”