Southend Council reject East Beach sauna proposals

Submitted to Southend Council, the proposals would have seen the sauna and pools built on land at East Beach in Shoebury.

Although the applicant, Wild Embers Sauna, has previously stated the plans would “support community wellbeing”, council officers say it would be detrimental to the coastal landscape.

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In the refusal of the application, Southend Council planning officers said: “The proposed development would result in the loss of land which is designated as protected green space for sport and recreation.

Refused - This CGI image shows how the sauna could have looked (Image: Wild Embers Sauna)

“It has not been demonstrated that this loss would not be detrimental to the amenities of the residents of Southend.

“Furthermore, the proposal would detrimentally reduce the amount of beach available for public use.”

The decision document also cites a lack of information around how public safety would be managed when the sauna was not in use as a reason for planning refusal.

According to the plans, the new facility would’ve featured a sea-facing window and offer pre-booked sauna and cold-water therapy sessions.

While the proposals state the sauna would be powered in part by a small solar panel, the applicant planned to collect water from a source at a nearby public toilet block.

Green - The proposed site is on the edge of Shoebury's East Beach (Image: Wild Embers Sauna)

Separate proposals for a new accessible ramp and children’s play area on East Beach are currently moving through Southend Council’s planning system.

Tricia Cowdrey, an East Beach resident and Green Party campaigner, said: “While I can understand the disappointment that this application was refused, it does seem logical given the plans for this location as a new accessible ramp to the beach. 

“This is quite an isolated area apart from the summer months and residents had raised concerns about the safety of those potentially using the facility, as well as the lack of thought around the disposal of the residue from activities such as ash and cleaning products.

“The other concern was the use of a water supply paid for by the public, from a public toilet block.

“I hope that the proposers are able to find a more suitable and much safer location for their venture.”