Sauna wood container at Car Park Adjacent Sea Lane Cafe, Worthing

What was proposed

The application sought to retain a 9-square-metre dark blue storage container for wood used by a beach sauna concession.

“The application site is situated within the car park adjacent to Sea Lane Café. The storage container is located on the far left-hand side of the car park. The car park is bordered by a hedge which partly obscures the cars parked within it. Sea Lane Café is located to the south, with the roundabout at the junction of Marine Crescent, Marine Drive and Sea Lane located to the north.”

“Planning permission is sought for the retention of a storage container for the storage of wood in connection with a sauna concession on the beach. Based on the original application (AWDM/0279/21), the storage container measures approximately 9 square metres, has a height of 2.59 metres and is sited within the car park, occupying one of the car parking spaces. The container is dark blue in colour with localised yellow stickers on two sides.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and enforcement

An earlier permission allowed a container for watersports equipment, and the current application followed an enforcement investigation.

“The application arises following an enforcement investigation under AWEN/0003/26.”

“AWDM/0279/21 - Temporary siting of storage container for 7 months of the year (April to October inclusive) for the storage of kayaks, paddleboards and ancillary equipment in connection with a seafront concession hiring such equipment. STATUS: Application Permitted 26th March 2021.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended a three-year approval because the container supports the sauna but is not an appropriate permanent storage solution.

“The storage container supports the operation of the existing sauna facility by providing storage for wood required for the sauna. The retention of the container therefore assists the continued operation of an established seafront concession which contributes to the local economy and the diversity and vitality of the seafront tourism offer.”

“However, in visual and character terms, the container is not considered to represent an appropriate permanent storage solution. The previous permission (AWDM/0279/21) was granted for a temporary period and, having regard to the requirements of Policy DM5 and LP2, a further temporary permission is considered appropriate to allow the continued operation of the sauna whilst providing the applicant with sufficient time to explore and identify an alternative, more suitable…”

Officer report

Objections and consultation

No formal consultations were undertaken, while a resident objected over need, alternatives, amenity, anti-social behaviour and safety.

“Resident from No.138 Marine Crescent objects to the proposals, and has raised concerns in relation to the following:”

“- Lack of demonstrated need and reasonable alternatives; - Harm to visual and residential amenity; - Anti-social behaviour and safety concerns.”

Officer report

What was said at the meeting

The Planning Development Manager explained the container’s use, its branding, the temporary recommendation and the committee’s authority over duration.

Members’ discussion

Members questioned whether a better long-term solution was guaranteed, while others stressed the sauna’s community value and financial viability.

“During the debate, members expressed concern over granting a further temporary permission without a guarantee of a higher-quality, long-term solution, and enquired whether an explanatory condition could be attached. However, other members noted that while the container was unattractive, it sat on an unremarkable plot adjacent to a toilet block. They highlighted that the sauna provided a valuable community amenity supporting mental health and sustained two local businesses.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted four to three in favour of granting temporary planning permission for three years.

“Following a seconded proposal, members voted 4 in favour and 3 against to grant temporary planning permission for three years.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application for three years with approved plans and temporary permission conditions, and asked officers to explain its visual concerns.

“Decision - Approved for 3 years as recommended subject to conditions -”

“Approved Plans 2. Temporary Permission 3 Years The Committee requested that officers write to the applicant to explain its concerns that a more fitting storage arrangement should be found in the future, in light of concerns at the visual impact of the storage container.”

Minutes