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i have a petrol station in stockport, where i had a jetwash bay, which i have now turned into a handcarwash. the bay where we wash cars had a huge dirty old white wall backing it,roughly the size of a big billboard. i covered the whole wall with a very expensive poster advertising the hand carwash, and the making the place look far better than it did. i have now been told by the council i have to remove the poster as i didnt have any planning permision for it, now i am stuck as they simply say if applied, will be refused, and will give no directions as to what is allowed and what isnt. do i really need planning permission to cover a dirty wall on private land?

bare in mind if i do take the poster down, the hand carwash has to close, putting 3 people out of work, and then leaves me the issue with advertising the jetwash. i would still have to let the public know that it has changed back to a jetwash, how would i go about that without a poster on MY wall?

From what you have said, it appears as if the poster advertising your hand car wash requires 'express consent' from your Local Council's Planning Department. This is an application - similar to a planning application and requires you to provide details (e.g. a plan), form and fees. What the Council appear to be saying is that, even if you apply, there is something they can clearly see that they don't like.

Given you have a running business and the signage is integral to the ongoing success of the car wash, I would seek independent planning advice on your options as soon as possible. We are a Chartered Town Planning Consultancy and you can get in touch with us on [email protected] or 07932 438224.