RESIDENTS in Hockley are furious a car wash built without planning permission is operating fully.

James Hand Car Wash and Valeting Service, in Alderman’s Hill, has been operating since before Christmas, despite resident objections and a petition.

The Echo first reported residents’ concerns about unauthorised building work on the site last month.

Since then, further fences and signs have gone up at the site.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The council seems to be dragging its feet about this.

“We have a 100-household strong petition opposing this car wash, which was submitted to the council mid-December.

“I can’t believe they are trading at the premises.”

Rochford Council’s head of planning and transportation, Shaun Scrutton, said: “The operator has been informed works on the site are unauthorised and undertaken at their own risk.

“It has been recommended all works cease until planning issues are resolved. A planning application has been received, which seeks to regularise the use of the site as a car wash.

“Residents will be consulted on their views before a decision is made.”