A GUILDFORD car wash will be allowed to operate around the clock after Swan councillors rejected an attempt to impose a 7pm closing time during a robust debate about heritage, amenity and business.

The drive-through car wash proposed in Guildford sits on light industrial-zoned land.

Midland/Guildford ward councillor Sarah Howlett moved an alternate motion which would have allowed the business to operate from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Ms Howlett said it was imperative that preservation of Guildford’s unique character is maintained.

“The reason for my motion is to address the amenity concerns that a 24/7 car wash business could have on the neighbouring residents to ensure compliance with the Guildford-Mandoon heritage area local planning policy in relation to illuminated signage,” she said.

Pearce ward councillor Cate McCullough then moved to remove the operating-hour restriction.

Cr McCullough said she agreed with all other points raised by Cr Howlett but felt the hours of operation restriction wasn’t necessary as the officer’s report determined noise wasn’t an issue.

“There is no other car washes subjected to these time frames,” she said.

“It’s a business and I think Cr Congerton’s questions alluded to what makes a business viable.

“This is Guildford (and) it’s (known for) the famous planes, trains and automobiles.

“The noise from the car wash which is not a problem according to the officer’s report is probably the least of anybody’s problems.”

Cr Bowman spoke in support of Cr McCullough’s amendment to Cr Howlett’s motion.

“Having gone and visited the site and then thought about all the other car washes in the City of Swan, I couldn’t find any that we’ve restricted the hours of operation,” he said.

“I sent an email to staff, and they confirmed that they have none that they’re aware of on record.

“Is it reasonable to put these restrictions on this business?”

Whiteman ward councillor Mel Congerton supported removing the restriction, and said the applicant had proposed a 24-hour operation and imposing a 7pm closing time would significantly reduce its potential operating hours without an analysis of the commercial impact.

“In a stroke of a pen, it is 50 per cent of his operating revenue now discounted,” he said.

Cr Congerton said tradespeople, taxi drivers and rideshare drivers were among those who could have reason to use a car wash later at night.

City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said she moved to Guildford for its heritage and said approving a car wash did not mean council also needed to allow it to operate 24 hours a day.

Concerns were raised about nearby residents, including shift workers trying to sleep, as well as the possibility of vehicles gathering at the site late at night.

The mayor also distinguished existing noise from planes and trains from that created by approving a new round-the-clock business.

Cr McCullough said an important point to be aware of was its light industrial zoning, where a car wash application was a permitted use.

The amendment removing the operating-hour restriction was carried 8-5.

Councillors then clashed over another aspect of the proposal when Altone ward councillor Jennifer Catalano moved to require marri trees to be included in the development’s landscaping.

She said mature marris took decades to grow and were important for black cockatoo survival.

“I have to raise this time and time again because if I don’t raise it, council forgets all about the fact that we are living in a natural environment,” Cr Catalano said.

The marri amendment was tied 6-6 before being defeated by the mayor’s casting vote.

Midland/Guildford ward councillor Rashelle Predovnik later moved an amendment broadening a condition to require lighting and signage to comply with standards governing obtrusive lighting.

That amendment was carried before council approved the development.