‘I dislike the idea of sauna customers washing sweat off in the sea’

Plans for a new beachfront sauna have been approved but met with concerns that sweaty users would rinse off in the sea and affect water quality. Sea Scrub Sauna has been given the go-ahead to open a new location on Walmer beach, near Deal. The existing Sea Scrub Sauna facilities in Whitstable offer a mix of hot sauna sessions and chilly dips. A bid submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) proposed a mobile sauna situated on the shingle, alongside an office and changing room. Over 300 residents supported the idea before a planning committee meeting. Cllr Helen Williams, a Labour councillor, opposed the plan, arguing it would restrict beach access and quality, and suggested on-site showers should be provided. She personally disliked the idea of people washing sweat off in the sea. Cllr Jamie Pout dismissed the concerns as 'laughable.' The Independent Group leader countered that concerns about local water quality were minor compared to issues like Southern Water's waste dumping. A planning officer noted the small huts wouldn't block beach access. The facility, consisting of two black huts, operates off-grid with wood-fired stoves. Public comments praised the design and Sea Scrub Sauna’s track record in Kent. The application followed a tender for a sauna operator on the seafront, with Sea Scrub Sauna winning the bid. Co-founder Robin Bartlett emphasized the project’s role in creating a community space and supporting local businesses. Councillors voted eight-to-one in favor of the plans.