RESIDENTS are up in arms about plans to install three new jet-wash bays at a York service station.

It is the third time Graham Kennedy has tried to expand his Inner Space Stations Ltd jet wash facility in Hull Road, with the latest application due to go before planning chiefs on Thursday.

In September, the Evening Press reported that Mr Kennedy was refused planning permission to put up five new jet washes, including one for large, commercial vehicles, amid considerable concerns from nearby residents about noise, pollution and traffic disturbance.

This time, Mr Kennedy is seeking permission to install three new car-wash bays and a plant, staff and store room, and for alterations to three existing jet-wash bays.

But although the new application involves a scaling down of the proposed expansion, people living in nearby Tranby Avenue are concerned about the adverse effect the development may have on their quality of life.

Mother-of-two Alison Bell, who has lived there since 1993, said residents were prepared to fight all the way to prevent the plans from going ahead.

"We wouldn't have bought our house here if we'd known a service station would be built so near and, ideally, we would prefer it if the whole thing was closed down.

"But we will campaign against this new application and hope that the council will take our side again, as they did before."

But in a report to planning bosses, council development control officer Mick Britton recommends that councillors approve the new scheme, with certain conditions "to safeguard residents' amenity".

These conditions include restricting the operation hours, installing an acoustic fence to minimise noise levels and a ban on audible alarms, sirens or amplified speaker systems.

However, the alterations have not soothed residents' fears over the scheme.

"I don't think they make a great deal of difference to the issues that concern us," said Alison's husband, David Bell, a plumbing and heating engineer.

"We've got two small children, and you hear some pretty foul language from customers using the jet-wash.

"It's very hard to take these people to task for things like that. The noise and pollution we will have to endure if the plans go ahead will seriously blight the lives of people who live here."

Murton Parish Council has pledged its full support for the residents' campaign, and a representative will join a Tranby Avenue resident to voice their objections at Thursday's meeting.

Mr Kennedy was unavailable for comment.

Updated: 10:09 Monday, February 07, 2005