Saltwater Sauna submits plan to BCP Council to demolish beach huts for new saltwater sauna at Avon Beach, Mudeford

A COMPANY wants to demolish six seaside huts on Avon Beach and replace them with a saltwater sauna and external shower.

Saltwater Sauna Ltd is seeking permission from BCP Council to level the huts adjacent to the promenade and beach to make way for the new development.

The company had previously applied to the authority for permission to relocate its mobile sauna from its current home at Sandbanks to Avon Beach.

BCP rejected that application after Christchurch Town Council objected on the grounds of a “detrimental effect to the amenity of neighbours” and “incompatibility” with planning policies aimed at protecting conservation areas.

Others objected to the mobile sauna unit being allowed to operate at Avon Beach because it could encourage naked sauna users to run into the sea while undressed on a family-friendly beach.

Describing its new planning application, a design and access statement submitted to BCP Council by agent Pure Town Planning said: “In bringing forward the proposals the applicant is committed to maintaining, protecting and enhancing the character of the area, and improving the quality of the existing site.

“On balance, it is considered that the revised proposal complies with the Development Plan, so should be supported.”

BCP Council is currently considering the application.