Another use planned for city toilet block

A former Hereford public toilet which then operated as self-service dog washing facility is to be put to a new use.

Working in partnership with Herefordshire Council, Lucky Mutt opened last spring in the small free-standing public convenience building in Widemarsh Common.

A statement by the council in late 2024 said the “unique” facility was to serve as “a space for dog owners to freshen up their beloved pets in a self-service wash facility, alongside professional dog grooming services for dogs of all breeds and sizes”, enabling them to “grow their businesses and serve the local community with ease”.

Open between 7am and 7pm, it charges £8 for a 12-minute session including shampoo and conditioner.

But now planning application 260369 seeks permission to change the use of the pitch-roofed brick building to a barbers and aesthetics clinic.

These would be open between 8am and 7pm six days a week, and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays, the application says.

This can be commented on until April 2, with a decision due later the same month.

Lucky Mutt co-founder Mark Stevenson said the past year had been “a really successful pilot programme”, but this had “confirmed that for a self-serve dog wash to be truly accessible for all dog lovers, it really needs to be in a more open, outdoor-focused environment”.

“We’re working with another local business right now to ensure the dog wash facility stays centrally located here in Hereford, just in a setting that fits the service better,” he said.

As to the Widemarsh building’s new use, “We’re working with a young local individual to help them launch their very first owned business,” he added.