Council tells hair salon on wheels to cut it
Cecilia's House of Hair operated on Walter Road East in Bassendean for 28 years until the owner closed the salon in October 2024 and started mobile business Cecilia's Salon on Wheels.
In November, the town received complaints from several residents on Ivanhoe Street in Bassendean about a hairdressing business operating from a van parked in a driveway on the street.
The owner later submitted an application in December for retrospective approval to operate as a home business.
The application was advertised for public comment and received 'strong objections,' with reasons citing the intensity of the business, noise, parking, and 'doubts about ongoing compliance.' Cecilia Bova started a salon on wheels for the elderly and disabled at their homes to keep them safe. Credit: The Chimes.
In a deputation, salon owner Cecilia Bova, who has been a hairdresser for 37 years, said that there was a maximum of two clients at any given time, but carers may also be present.
She said that during COVID, she started a salon on wheels for the elderly and disabled at their homes to keep them safe.
'I enjoy the one-on-one time but it was hard working out of laundries, kitchens and bathrooms; there was no room to move,' she said.
Ms Bova said running her salon House of Hair came with 'huge financial responsibilities,' along with staff management, so decided to close the business on Walter Road.
'When I can, I go to a client's home, but some of the people live in units or small homes and haven't got a driveway, so they have to come to my home.' she said. Bassendean mayor Kathryn Hamilton. Credit: Supplied
'I wasn't aware that I needed permission to work from home in a mobile van, I started the process as soon as I was told and have done my best to meet all my obligations since then. I never intended to cause problems for anyone, I'm just trying to make a living and pay my mortgages and bills like everyone else.'
The council meeting notes said town staff asked the applicant to adjust the way the business operates to reduce the impact on the neighbourhood but the the applicant requested council to instead make a decision on the proposal as it stands.
Ms Bova declined to make any key changes suggested by town staff, such as limiting client numbers and reducing operating hours, saying it would make the business 'unviable.'
As the applicant was unwilling to adopt the changes, town staff considered the business did not meet the definition of a home business and instead operated as a commercial business, which was 'not appropriate' in a residential area as it 'adversely affects the amenity of the neighbourhood.'
Town staff will issue Ms Bova with a direction to cease the use of land for the purpose of a home business within 30 days.
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