Plans submitted to BCP Council by Saltwater Sauna for Avon beach, Mudeford, are withdrawn

Plans for a sauna at Avon beach have been withdrawn despite more than 100 people supporting the proposal.

As reported in the A&T, the Saltwater Sauna Company wanted to move its existing unit from Sandbanks to Avon Beach, temporarily placing it on a section of the sand near the car park.

And it revealed that in “due course” it wanted to create a “more permanent” sauna at the beach where it would replace a number of beach huts.

BCP tourism bosses welcomed the idea of a temporary wooden sauna being placed at the beach calling it a “positive asset”.

Many beach users said they were looking forward to booking the sauna, with one saying: “This is a wonderful addition to our community and there are so many amazing health benefits.”

Another said: “As a sea swimmer I would definitely use this facility.”

But Christchurch Town Council objected to the plan on the grounds of “detrimental effect to the amenity of neighbours” and “incompatibility” with planning policies aimed at protecting conservation areas.

Some residents agreed with the council, with one saying: “The shed-like structure is unattractive and will be a target for vandalism.”

One objector was worried about naked bathers, pointing out that “one of the noted features of saunas is for those participating to run straight into the sea naked – this would be totally unacceptable on a family beach.”