PLANS to flatten six beach huts to make space for an outdoor sauna have been given the green light.
The proposal to build the new ‘Saltwater Sauna’ on Avon Beach promenade has been approved by BCP Council.
Planning officers said the sauna would provide a facility to visitors while bringing income into the area.
Applicant Saltwater Sauna Ltd already operate a successful beach-sauna at Sandbanks but has remained keen to open a new facility in the Christchurch area.
The company sought planning permission to flatten six beach huts close to the Noisy Lobster restaurant to make space for an outdoor sauna building.
According to plans, the building would have two separate saunas, each accommodating up to eight people, with a beach shower outside available for public use.
A planning officer recommending the scheme for approval said: “The proposals will support a new small scale business providing jobs and bringing income into the area.
“The proposals will also provide a facility for visitors and local residents visiting the seafront and supports tourism and visitor spend in the area, a key element of the local economy.
“The economic and social factors relating to the proposals are therefore positive.”
The planning officer also determined the proposed sauna would have “acceptable impacts on the character” of the Avon Beach promenade.
They said: “It preserves the character of the Mudeford Quay Conservation Area and is not considered to result in harm in relation to residential amenities, flood risk, trees or parking and highway safety.
“Overall, the environmental impacts are thereby neutral.”
BCP Council approved the planning application on February 7.
One built, the sauna is set to offer an ‘authentic Finnish sauna experience’, which attracts tourists and locals, and likeminded sauna and sea swimming enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Both private and communal sauna packages will be available, according to plans.
Its opening hours will vary throughout the year but are expected to be 6.30am to 5pm in September to March, 6.30am to 7.30pm in April to June, and 6.30am-11.30am and 5.30pm-10.30pm in July to August.
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