Sea Scrub Sauna has been granted approval to open a new location on the shingle at Walmer beach, near Deal, despite a councillor's objection that sweaty users might rinse off in the sea and compromise water quality. The decision was made at a Dover District Council (DDC) planning committee meeting on August 13, where councillors voted eight-to-one in favour of the proposal.
The mobile sauna, which will be situated on the shingle alongside an office and changing room, will consist of two black huts occupying less than 25 square metres. Operating on an off-grid basis, the facility will not require mains water or electricity, with the rooms heated by wood-fired stoves.
Councillor Raises Water Quality Concerns
During the debate, Cllr Helen Williams argued that the structures should not be permitted as they would 'restrict the open character' and access to the beach. She also suggested that the business should provide on-site showers to mitigate potential impacts on sea water quality.
'Personally, I dislike the idea of people sweating in the sauna then washing the sweat off in the sea,' said the Labour councillor. 'Local people are very concerned about sea water quality.'
Her concerns were dismissed by Cllr Jamie Pout, who described them as 'laughable'. He noted that beachgoers often get hot and sweaty in the sun before entering the sea, making the concern unfounded. '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,' he said, urging councillors to consider their statements in an open forum.
Planning Officer Addresses Objections
A council planning officer also addressed the objections, pointing out that the 'small huts' proposed would not prevent people from using the beach, as 'people can easily walk around them'. The officer further noted that the black colour scheme, which drew concerns for not matching the many white beach huts on the shoreline, was not a material issue given the presence of other darker structures along the promenade, including the Victorian shelter.
The application came after DDC sought a sauna operator for the seafront location through a tender process last year, with Sea Scrub Sauna winning the bid. More than 300 residents had written comments in support of the idea ahead of the planning committee meeting.
Public Support and Community Benefits
Public comments in support praised the tasteful design and Sea Scrub Sauna's good track record of delivering quality facilities elsewhere in Kent, including Whitstable, Faversham, Folkestone and Margate. At the meeting, Sea Scrub Sauna's co-founder Robin Bartlett emphasised the broader community benefits of the project.
'This is about much more than installing a sauna,' Bartlett said. '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.'
The approval marks a significant step for the project, which aims to provide a year-round amenity for residents and visitors alike. The facility is expected to operate without connection to mains services, relying on wood-fired stoves for heating, and will be situated on the shingle beach, accessible to the public.
