SANDBANKS’ seafront sauna is to get an expansion with BCP Council’s approval. 

Saltwater Sauna was built in 2023 following great success from the makeshift site built in 2021. 

It was just one of four sauna businesses in the UK based at a seafront location when it opened in 2021. 

"However, since then the UK seaside sauna movement has experienced unprecedented growth,” said Chris Miell, associate director of Pure Town Planning, on behalf of the applicant. 

“The health and wellbeing benefits of sauna use have become more widely published and as a result of this there are now over 150 similar saunas businesses operating on the UK coastline. 

“This rapid growth demonstrates the rising demand for wellness-based leisure activities in coastal areas such as Sandbanks.  

“The existing sauna is well used by the local community and tourists.” 

The application was brought to BCP Council’s western planning committee to be decided by councillors because it was on council land. 

Committee member Simon McCormack added: “It’s a good application and it doesn’t have any negative impact on its surroundings." 

The expansion will now see the existing building extended by four metres to create extra capacity for visitors.