PLANS for a moveable sauna to be situated on a trailer at Minard have been approved by council officers.
Silvia Jost’s proposal for the site northeast of Seaview in the village had attracted five expressions of support from the public since they were revealed in June.
The site for the proposed development consists of an informal car park between the A83 trunk road and the shores of Achagoyle Bay.
Argyll and Bute Council has now awarded planning permission, saying that the plans were an acceptable development.
A council official said in a handling report: “The proposal is seeking to secure permission for the change of use of a small area within the car park to allow for the siting of a wood-fired mobile sauna, which the application details will be situated on a trailer to allow for ease of removal when required and in bad weather conditions etc. The sauna is shown sited to the south east of the existing shed within the car park.
“The proposed sauna is a simple, modest structure of barrel design measuring approximately 2.6m x 2.29m in plan with an overall height of approximately three metres, which includes the flue serving the wood burning stove.
“The proposed sauna is a timber clad structure with grey coloured ‘shingle’ type roofing material. The proposed sauna has a maximum capacity for six persons.
“The design statement submitted with the application details, in summary, that it is anticipated that the proposed sauna would provide a valuable community wellbeing and recreational facility, promoting physical and mental health through accessible outdoor wellness experiences.
“The development would enhance local leisure provision for residents and visitors alike, encourage year-round use of the shoreline area, and support the wider local tourism economy. In addition, the sauna would create a shared social space that encourages community interaction and outdoor activity in a sustainable and low-impact manner.”
The report added: “Overall it is considered that the proposal for the partial change of use of the car park to allow for the siting of the proposed mobile sauna unit is an appropriate development within this existing car park and one which will provide enhanced outdoor recreational facilities serving the local community and visitors to the area.
“The small-scale nature of the sauna and its natural finishing materials will ensure that it does not give rise to any significant adverse visual impact within the car park or the wider landscape within which it is proposed.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, officers consider it appropriate to issue permission on an initial temporary five-year basis in order to allow control over the site to be retained and the amenity impact of the proposal to be assessed during the operation of the proposed sauna.”
