AT Bassendean’s July meeting, council voted en bloc to carry a motion rejecting a resident’s application to operate their mobile salon business from home.

Bassendean resident Cecilia Bova, who runs Cecilia’s House of Hair, provided a written deputation asking for council’s consideration of the business’s purpose, necessary operating hours, financial circumstances and distress from community backlash.

“After the Covid-19 pandemic, I was inspired to create a safer, more accessible hairdressing service for my aging, sick, disabled, and long-standing clients many of whom I’ve served for over 35 years,” she said.

“I designed my mobile salon van specifically to accommodate clients with mobility challenges.

“However, due to property access issues at some client locations, I require days I need to work from home to ensure continuity of service and financial sustainability.”

Ms Bova requested the operating hours advised by the senior planning officer be extended from 5pm to 6pm.

“Hairdressing services often experience delays due to client needs such as changes in services, late arrivals, or the additional time and care required for elderly clients,” she said.

“An extra hour would provide a necessary buffer and flexibility to complete appointments without compromising service quality or client wellbeing.

“I am a sole trader and a single mother of two children – this business is my only source of income, and I am committed to making it work in a way that supports both my family and my clients.

“The ability to work from home when necessary is critical to the viability of my business.”

The Town of Bassendean advertised Ms Bova’s application to seven neighbouring properties in January and received five submissions objecting to continued operation of the business from the residence.

According to the officer’s report about community engagement, neighbours reported that the business was clearly visible from the street, with the van operating in Ms Bova’s driveway.

“Submissions described ‘streams of customers’, up to 20 a day, between 8am and 8pm, sometimes seven days a week,” the report said.

“Residents also raised concerns about noise, noting the van doors were often left open, allowing conversations to carry beyond the property and disturb nearby homes.

“Several submissions mentioned lack of onsite parking, with customers parking on verges and in unsafe or inconvenient spots along Ivanhoe Street.

“One neighbour withdrew their objection after learning the van would be parked with its door facing away from their home, reducing noise.

“People can run a business from home if it meets the definition of a ‘home business’.

“This definition relies on a business not harming the look, feel, or quiet of the neighbourhood.

“As it does not meet the definition of a ‘home business’, town staff recommend the application be refused and a directions notice issued.