Hand car wash to be replaced with EV charging hub

The plans have received their final approval and can now go ahead

A new electric vehicle charging hub will soon replace a hand car wash in Peterborough. Initial plans to redevelop the site into 10 EV charging bays were approved by Peterborough City Council planners in November last year.

Applicant Moreco Investments Ltd re-applied for planning permission in June with tweaks to the design of the charging hub, including the layout plan, the charging equipment specification, the introduction of a power cabinet, and the removal of inter-bay landscaping and canopies.

“These refinements improve the operational functionality and accessibility of the scheme while leaving its scale, character, and appearance unchanged,” the plans stated.

Council officers approved the plans once again in August, meaning the development can finally go ahead. The site, located at Parkway Sports and Social Club, will see five charging units across the 10 bays, including two fully PAS-compliant accessible bays which will operate 24/7.

A pedestrian walkway will connect the charging bays with the wider area, supporting informal connectivity to the Boulevard Retail Park and surrounding uses.

“It will provide significant environmental, social, and economic benefits supporting Peterborough City Council’s Net Zero commitments, the CPCA’s regional charging strategy, and the UK Government’s statutory objectives for decarbonisation,” the plans added.

The officer report noted that the proposed scheme was consistent with the policies of the Peterborough Local Plan and aligned with provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

It stated: “The site is surrounded by a range of retail, leisure and commercial uses. The proposed development would retain a commercial appearance which is compatible with the character of the surrounding area.”