Beachfront sauna opposed because of ‘sweaty people washing in the sea’

A new beachfront sauna was opposed by a councillor who was concerned that sweaty users would rinse off in the sea and affect water quality.

Sea Scrub Sauna has been approved to open a new location on the shingle at Walmer beach, near Deal.

Under a bid submitted to Dover District Council (DDC), a mobile sauna will be situated on the shingle, alongside an office and changing room.

More than 300 residents had written comments in support of the idea ahead of a planning committee meeting last week.

But during the debate, Cllr Helen Williams argued the structures should not be allowed as it would ‘restrict the open character’ and access to the beach and added the business should provide on-site showers.

‘Personally, I dislike the idea of people sweating in the sauna then washing the sweat off in the sea,’ said the labor councillor. ‘Local people are very concerned about sea water quality.’

Cllr Jamie Pout dismissed the concern as ‘laughable’, adding: ‘If you went to the beach today, you’d probably get quite hot and if you went in the sea, you’d probably be sweating as well.

‘I’d be more concerned that Southern Water are dumping c*** in the sea than people going to the beach, doing something nice and supporting a local business. And I’d urge councillors to maybe think about what they’re saying in an open forum.’

A council planning officer also pointed out that the ‘small huts’ proposed would not prevent people from using the beach, as ‘people can easily walk around them’.

The facility, consisting of two black huts occupying less than 25sqm, will operate on an off-grid basis and not require mains water or electricity, with the rooms heated by wood-fired stoves.

The color scheme also drew concerns about the black design of the structures not keeping in line with many white beach huts on the shoreline.

But a planning officer stated there were other darker building structures along the promenade, including the Victorian shelter, so it was not a material concern for the new sauna buildings to match the beach huts.

Public comments in support praise the tasteful design and Sea Scrub Sauna’s good track record of delivering good facilities elsewhere in Kent, including Whitstable, Faversham, Folkestone and Margate.

The application came after DDC sought a sauna operator in putting the seafront location out to tender last year, with Sea Scrub Sauna winning the bid.

Speaking at the meeting on August 13, Sea Scrub Sauna’s co-founder Robin Bartlett said: ‘This is about much more than installing a sauna.

‘It’s about creating a welcoming, year-round community space that brings people together, supports local businesses and charities, attracts new visitors and gives residents another reason to enjoy the seafront in every season.’

Councillors voted eight-to-one in favour of the plans.

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