New plans have been submitted to turn the former Furness Park dealership site into a drive-through valet and car wash.

Furness Park was previously established as a motor dealership by Alan Stoker in 1966 when he opened a car sales, service and petrol station business on Abbey Road.

In January 2023, the family business announced it was closing the retail arm of its operation after almost 60 years of trading history.

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Now plans have been submitted to use the existing buildings on Abbey Road, near Dalton, for a car wash and drive-through valeting service. 

The building will not change in design but will have a new grey and yellow appearance and new signage, according to plans.

The building will be used as it was for the washing and valeting of cars but it will be open to the general public and not just cars from the former dealership, plans said.

The new car wash will be able to hold six drive-through valet spaces and four under cover valet spaces.

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One staff member will monitor incoming traffic into a one-way system turning drivers away if they are at capacity. 

The washing will be done by hand using machines such as vacuums, pressure washers and small handheld tools.

Access and parking will still be the same and inside will be for customer and staff facilities and an office.

The forecourt will be used for car washing and drive-through valeting.

In terms of its impact on the current surroundings, the new car wash is thought to slow traffic once in active use and improve highway safety in the area.

Eco-friendly products will be used that have a biological blend of bacteria and enzymes which plans say will allow it to be safely discharged into sewer systems. 

Biological additives are reported to help in keeping drains clean and free-flowing whilst reducing odours. 

The car wash's operating hours will be Monday to Saturday 9pm to 6pm.

Sundays and bank holidays will be 9pm to 4pm.