Mobile sauna and changing rooms at Car Park, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings

What was proposed

The application sought five-year permission for a mobile timber sauna with solar panels, lighting, changing rooms, storage, lockers and cycle parking.

“AGENDA ITEM NO:5 (b) Report to: PLANNING COMMITTEE Date of Meeting: December 2025 Report from: Planning Services Manager Application address:Car Park, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings Proposal:To install a mobile sauna with solar PV panels and external lighting; associated separate changing rooms and ancillary storage for a period of 5 years (amended description) Application No:HS/FA/25/00322 Recommendation:Grant Full Planning Permission Ward:OLD HASTINGS 2018 Conservation…”

“Proposed development The proposal seeks permission for the installation of a temporary, prefabricated sauna building along with ancillary buildings and structures intended to operate for a maximum of five years within the Class F use. The sauna pre-fabricated building will be constructed using black-stained timber with a black corrugated roof and equipped with a clear-glazed window. Supporting the sauna use is a timber changing hut with 3 no. private changing spaces.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered the pumping station, extensions, fencing, a public pay-and-display car park and an exit ramp.

“DecisionPermission with conditionson07/02/86 Application No.HS/FA/86/00595 DescriptionSingle storey extension to pumping station. DecisionPermission with conditionson02/10/86 Application No.HS/FA/87/00933 DescriptionERECTION OF FENCE FOR GENERATOR ATTENUATOR DecisionPermission with conditionson18/12/87 Application No.HS/FA/90/00285 DescriptionCHANGE OF USE TO PUBLIC PAY AND DISPLAY CAR PARK.”

“DecisionPermission with conditionson15/06/90 Application No.HS/FA/93/00135 DescriptionCONSTRUCTION OF EXIT RAMP DecisionPermission with conditionson24/06/93 Application No.HS/FA/96/00074 Description ERECTION OF FRONT AND REAR EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING PUMPING STATION SUPERSTRUCTURE TO HOUSE NEW PLANT REQUIRED FOR STATION UPGRADING DecisionPermission with conditionson29/04/96 National and local policies Hastings Local Plan – Planning Strategy 2014 Policy FA5 - Strategic Policy…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in principle and would not harm the conservation area, neighbours, environment or highway safety.

“Determining issues The main issues to consider in this application are the impact on the character and appearance of the Old Town Conservation Area; on heritage assets; on neighbouring amenity; pollution and hazards, and highway safety and parking.”

“The Conservation Officer was consulted and had no objection, stating the proposal would cause no harm. The proposal is therefore considered to be in accordance with Policy DM1 and HN1 of the Hastings Local Plan - Development Management Plan (2015) and Policy EN1 of the Hastings Local Plan - Planning Strategy (2014).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Planning Officer introduced the proposal and answered questions, while the Planning Manager clarified the limits of planning considerations.

What members discussed

Members discussed waste transport, wastewater, showers, competition, pedestrian access, the location and whether the sauna would complement nearby amenities.

“Councillor Horn noted that whilst it was not a material planning consideration, she found it unusual given that all five of the applicant’s other sauna sites along the Sussex coast included showers. It was a missed opportunity to provide an amenity for customers.”

“The Chair added that, whilst he personally found the location unusual given its proximity to the pumping station and the absence of showers, the sauna could complement nearby amenities such as the Yacht Club and regarded it as a welcome addition to the area.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Rogers proposed approval, Councillor Sinden seconded it, and the Committee voted unanimously in favour.

“Councillor Rogers noted that users of the fishing beach might object to the siting of the proposal but could see no conflict with planning law or the NPPF and therefore proposed approval of the application. Councillor Sinden seconded the proposal.”

“With approval having been proposed by Councillor Rogers, duly seconded by Councillor Sinden, the Chair called upon Members to vote whereupon the Committee:”

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was granted for five years, with the consent expiring on 19 December 2030.

“To Grant Full Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:”

“The sauna and associated buildings and structures hereby approved shall remain for a period not exceeding 5 years from the date of this consent, and will expire on 19 December 2030.”

Minutes

Main conditions

The permission requires approved plans, restricted construction hours, waste and wastewater management, and cycle parking before occupation.

“The waste, recycling and waste water management strategy shall be carried out in accordance with the Operational Waste, Recycling and Water Management Plan, which states that waste water, waste and recycling shall be contained and transported to the operator's base site to be disposed of through means already established by the business.”

“The development shall not be occupied until cycle parking has been provided in accordance with drawing no. 555/201 P6 and the areas shall thereafter be retained for the use of the parking of cycles only for the lifetime of the development.”

Minutes