Monstrous 25-person sauna will destroy our sea view & leave us trapped inside our clifftop homes
The trendy development has left locals concerned about the health risks of the wood-fired relaxation retreat.
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Saltwater Sauna LTD has unveiled plans to build a 25-person sauna on the promenade at Southbourne Beach in Bournemouth, Dorset.
It has left residents in the cliff-top flats overlooking the beach concerned they won't be able to open their windows due to the smoke and fumes.
With a 17kW wood-burning stove maintaining its 80C temperature, residents have expressed concerns for the health of elderly locals breathing in fumes.
It is in stark contrast to the health benefits of the centre itself - as the 'contrast therapy' of going from hot to cold water can release noradrenaline and dopamine, increasing energy, focus and mood.
However, residents have been left more concerned about the potential damage the site could cause.
Ann Warwick, 88, who lives in a nearby flat said: "To be burning wood in this area, which is highly residential, is just not on.
"The chimney would come right at us, we wouldn't be able to open the windows.
"We would have no objection to the sauna if its electric. But they shouldn't be producing CO2 when there's lots of wildlife around here and lots of elderly people who shouldn't be breathing in that kind of smoke."
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named but has a background in science, said: "The proposed wood burner is not a domestic sized unit but one of commercial capacity to provide hot water for 25 people and burn for up to 14 hours a day."
He added that the kiln drying process would release 1.65kg of CO2 per kilo of wood dried.
"The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has stated its concern over the emission of dangerous fine particulates caused by domestic wood burning stoves," the unnamed resident said.
He added: "It has been shown such fine particulates can adversely affect lung development in children and harm those suffering from a wide range of breathing problems."
Resident Samantha Searles said: "I cannot think of anything worse on the seafront than a communal sauna that has a flue and a wood burner.
"There are multiple health concerns here as the flu will discharge damaging particulates, smoke and fumes directly up or along the cliff face depending on the weather/wind.
"People, wildlife and properties will be detrimentally affected."
Residents have also expressed concern for the local environment, with the carbon monoxide potentially causing a fire risk to the cliff, which is a site of nature conservation importance.
The clifftop is covered in grass and vegetation that becomes very dry in the summer - and a wood burner could increase the fire risk.
With the growing popularity of wellness treatments in the UK, residents are also worried that the trendy site could lead to increased noise pollution and traffic problems at the already-popular beach.
Ann added: "Parking is already bad, at the weekend we have cars parked on yellow lines all the way along the road and I do think this would make it worse."
Not everyone is opposed to the plans, with the local council receiving 49 letters of support for the development.
Laura Hull said: "Southbourne has been thriving and growing as a progressive area and there are loads of great health and wellness events and groups.
"The sauna would be a fabulous addition to the seafront and help enhance the wellness culture in the area and keep Southbourne thriving."
Nicola Fuller said: "I regularly head down to Sandbanks and Avon Beach to use the saltwater sauna with local friends, and friends and family visiting from around the country.
"I'm so excited to hear planning is in place for a sauna in Southbourne where I live and it would be an amazing addition to Sobo Beach, which is an incredible place for our community."
Saltwater Sauna LTD already owns several sites across the South coast - however, this new addition will be bigger than most and will operate from 7.30am until 9.30pm every day.
Their existing sites operate in Dorset at Avon Beach in Christchurch, Sandbanks in Poole and one at Lulworth Cove.
The saunas are designed to boost circulation, detoxity and cleanse the skin and provide relaxation.
In a response to the concerns raised, the company said they aim to provide "a truly authentic Finnish sauna experience", elevating them above "more generic sauna providers".
In a response to the objections raised, they said: "Finnish sauna culture is traditionally built around the wood-fired stove.
"The act of preparing and tending the fire, the distinct aroma of the burning wood, and the natural, softer steam it produces are all essential to the authentic experience.
"This is not just about heat - it's about ritual, tradition, and the atmosphere, which electric systems cannot fully replicate. Our customers seek out this authentic experience specifically, and it is a key reason they visit us."
Saltwater Sauna use kiln-dried wood, which they say has a more efficient burn with less smoke and emissions and their sauna at Sandbanks has had no issues or complaints from locals.
The sauna at Avon Beach is powered by an electric stove but they said that was due to the proximity of low-hanging trees and the associated fire risk from heat exposure to the canopy, not any concerns about smoke, emissions or the environment.
The company say they would explore the option of electric heating "if required", but would need to look at the available power supply at Southbourne and would prefer to offer the traditional experience.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council were unable to comment on live planning application.
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