Temporary timber sauna at The Castle Climbing Centre, Stoke Newington, London N4

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the demolition of the existing timber shelter and the construction and temporary use of a timber sauna facility. The sauna will include the following facilities: ● 16 person Sauna - 14.1m2 ● Storage space (no public access) - 2.6m2 ● 2 no Cold Shower - 2.3m2 (external covered) ● 1 no. changing room - 1.2m2 (external covered) ● Staff seating zone - 1.2m2 (external covered) ● Cloakroom - 2.3m2 (external covered)”

“The total footprint of the sauna and associated facilities measures 40.25m2 at a height of approximately 2.2m. The proposed arrangement on the concrete slab is derived from the massing of the existing timber shelter structure, with the main sauna positioned to the southern edge of the slab.”

“The application site is located within the wider grounds of The Castle Climbing Centre (1.33ha). The site comprises an area of existing concrete slab measuring 0.0031ha (32 sqm), at the southern boundary of the castle grounds upon which is an open timber shelter.”

“The site is bordered by a variety of low-density residential typologies to the south, protected green spaces to the north and east (within the Castle Climbing Centre grounds currently used as a community garden, and as an active transport route (Green Lanes) to the west.”

“2019/3285: Full planning permission - Erection of new building within structural framework of the Third Building, providing a building that would be 4m taller that the existing with roof lanterns; External alterations; Change of use to Class D2 in association with the existing climbing centre. Granted 11/11/2019.”

“2012/1918: Full planning permission - External works comprising refurbishment and extension of conservatory on the eastern elevation and new greenhouse on the southern elevation; new entrance and escape doors; replacement roof lights and provision of sustainability measures including air source heat pumps and solar panels; provision of new external sports activity space and modifications to existing road and pedestrian access including replacement entrance gates, new…”

“In design and heritage terms, the proposal is considered to be of a high quality and appropriately responds to its context. The siting, scale, massing and materiality preserve the setting and significance of the Grade II* listed Castle Climbing Centre and contribute positively to the character of the area. The proposed development is in accordance with the London Plan and Hackney Local Plan policies relating to design and heritage.”

“Subject to the recommended conditions, the development would not result in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers in terms of daylight, outlook, privacy, noise or disturbance. The proposal would not result in harm to the biodiversity values of the site, in particular, local bat populations, and would not impact on protected trees surrounding the sauna.”

“Prior to the first use of the sauna, an External Lighting Scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The scheme shall be designed and implemented in accordance with the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines and must be sensitive to wildlife.”

“All new underground utility apparatus, including drainage, shall be routed and installed outside the Root Protection Area(s) (RPAs) shown on the approved drawings. Should it not be feasible to route new underground utility apparatus outside the RPAs of retained trees, trenchless insertion methods (as detailed in BS 5837:2012, Table 3) shall be employed for their installation within the RPAs, with entry and retrieval pits sited outside the RPAs.”

“2026/0417: The Castle Climbing Centre, Green Lanes, Hackney, London, N4 2HA Resolved:”

“To grant planning permission, subject to conditions, and subject to an additional condition relating to investigation regarding access alternatives.”