Seasonal sauna facility at Cock, Pond, Clapham Common, London SW4

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought for two saunas, six plunge tubs, a kiosk, seating, a canopy and fencing for seasonal use.

“April 2026. It is noted that the use has commenced on site prior to permission being granted, therefore, the description of development now reads as being retrospective. The proposed temporary use is for a leisure facility comprising two sauna cabins, six plunge tubs, a small kiosk for staff operations and customer transactions, a seating area covered by a stretch tent canopy, and 2-metre-high Heras fencing with a wood-effect finish and plywood entrance gates.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The facility occupies a small hard-surfaced area within the splashpad on Clapham Common, in the conservation area and Metropolitan Open Land.

“↑ To contents 2. Site context and proposal 2.1 Site description 2.1.1 Clapham Common is a large public open space, measuring approximately 206 acres, located between the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth. The Common is designated as MOL and lies within the Clapham Conservation Area. It is a historically significant landscape that has served as a public amenity since the 19th century.”

“↑ To contents 2.1.5 Clapham Common has a long tradition of hosting community events and activities, contributing to its communal and cultural significance. It remains publicly accessible throughout the year and is a focal point for local residents and visitors. The application site is a small, hard-surfaced area of the splashpad facility, enclosed by low railings and accessed via existing gates. It is positioned away from residential properties.”

Officer report

Earlier site permissions

Earlier permissions covered the splashpad, changes to the positions of plant and toilet buildings, and the discharge of related conditions.

“↑ To contents 2.4.1 Application site 2.4.1.1 The relevant planning history for the application site is as follows: Planning applications 2.4.1.2 Application ref. 22/03020/FUL for full planning permission was granted on 14.02.2023 for “Construction of a new 'splashpad' water play area within the basin of the existing pond, including refurbishment of the surfaces, improved access, relocation of the entrance gates and additional of two modular buildings containing WCs and new…”

“Amendment sought: switching of the proposed positions of the pre-fabricated Plant and WC buildings and associated bicycle parking” Application ref. 23/01593/DET for discharge of conditions 3, 4 and 7 of application 22/03020/FUL was granted on 24.08.2023 “Approval of details pursuant to conditions 3 (plans of proposed interactive splash equipment), 4 (Soft landscaping plans) and 7 (Construction plan) of planning permission 22/03020 (Construction of a new 'splash pad' water…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the temporary recreational use was acceptable, public benefits outweighed limited heritage harm, and other effects were acceptable.

“This harm has been carefully considered and weighed against the identified public benefits of the scheme, in accordance with the statutory requirements and relevant planning guidance. On balance, the benefits are judged to outweigh the harm. The associated impacts in respect of transport, residential amenity, biodiversity, trees, ecology, flooding, sustainability, and public safety have been fully assessed and are considered acceptable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Thirty-seven properties were consulted, one supporting comment was received, and there were no objections; consultees also raised no objections or identified limited harm.

“Summary of consultation 1.4.1 A public consultation was undertaken. A site notice was displayed and a press notice issued. 37 properties were consulted on the application. One representation of support was received during the consultation, and there were no objections.”

“↑ To contents 3. Consultation and engagement 3.1 Application consultation - public consultation 3.1.1 A public consultation was undertaken in accordance with statutory and Council requirements. Letters were sent to a total of 37 properties surrounding the application site. One site notice was posted next to the proposed site entrance on 28 th November 2025 and a press notice was issued on 5 th November 2025. Public consultation ended on 5 th December 2025.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One interested party spoke in support, and a ward councillor’s statement was read by an officer.

Members’ discussion

Officers answered Members’ questions before the Chair moved to vote on the recommendation to approve the application.

“Officers responded to questions from Members.”

“Further to a discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the Officer’s recommendation to approve the application.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors Malcolm Clark and Diogo Costa moved and seconded the motion, which was resolved unanimously.

“25/03123/FUL It was MOVED by Councillor Malcolm Clark and SECONDED by Councillor Diogo Costa…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted conditional planning permission and delegated authority to finalise the recommended conditions.

“To grant conditional planning permission.”

“Agree to delegate authority to the Director of Climate Change, Planning and Transport to: (a). Finalise the recommended conditions as set out in the officer report, addenda and/or Planning Applications Committee (PAC) minutes.”

Minutes