A new community sauna could open at the Grade II* listed Stoke Newington Pumping Station, known locally as the 'Castle', after Hackney Council planners recommended approval despite 12 formal objections from neighbours.
Community Sauna CIC has applied to install a timber sauna cabin for up to 16 people on a concrete slab at the southern boundary of the Castle Climbing Centre's grounds. The facility would include two cold showers but no cold plunge pool, according to planning documents.
Plans for the sauna cabin
The Victorian-era pumping station, nicknamed the Castle for its medieval-style architecture, already houses the Castle Climbing Centre. The proposed sauna would join the CIC's existing site at Hackney Bath House, expanding its presence in the borough.
At a planning meeting on Wednesday (September 2), Stephen Moorhouse, speaking on behalf of the CIC, said: "Our vision is quite simple: to bring communities together around an activity that improves wellbeing and to make that experience accessible to as many people as possible."
Neighbours raise concerns
The application drew 12 formal objections from neighbouring residents. Concerns included potential noise from the facility, over-development of a site used for community gardening, and LED lighting that could glare into nearby homes. Some residents also worried that the sauna's popularity could lead to congestion and blocked footpaths.
However, Hackney Council's planning officers gave broad support to the development. They assessed that there would be no significant rise in foot traffic and that the cabin's small size would not compromise neighbours' light or privacy. The council also noted that the adjacent community gardening land would not be disturbed.
Recommendation and next steps
Town hall planners have recommended that the council approve the sauna for a temporary fixed term of five years. The proposal follows the establishment of several sauna complexes across Hackney, Newham, Southwark, and Waltham Forest, as well as a sauna at Canary Wharf's Sea Lanes lido.
A final planning decision is expected within five working days of Wednesday's committee hearing.
