Plans for outdoor saunas at two Causeway Coast beaches received by Council
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Planning Department has received applications for outdoor saunas near two of the borough’s popular beaches.
Last year, officers reviewed a number of coastal sites for their suitability to provide outdoor saunas, and in February Council’s Leisure and Development Committee approved Benone Strand, Whiterocks, Ballycastle seafront and Waterfoot.
The Planning Department has now received full applications for saunas at two of those locations – Benone Strand and Waterfoot Beach car park.
Accompanying Planning Statements said both saunas will satisfy a “growing demand for wellness experiences across Northern Ireland”, particularly those that promote physical and mental wellbeing. Mobile saunas paired with cold water immersion have become popular at coastal locations due to their health benefits and appeal to visitors.
“Benone Beach is a well-established tourist destination attracting walkers, swimmers, surfers, and visitors throughout the year,” the statement added.
“There is currently, however, a lack of dedicated wellness infrastructure and the proposed mobile sauna would address this gap by offering a unique, low-impact facility that enhances the visitor experience, encourages longer stays, and supports sustainable tourism growth in the area.”
The statement said Waterfoot Beach car park is particularly well-suited to accommodate a sauna due to its position within a recreational coastal area, and benefits from existing infrastructure like car parking, access roads, and visitor facilities, ensuring that the proposal can be easily accommodated.
“The introduction of a mobile sauna is compatible with the surrounding uses and would serve to enhance the overall amenity of the adjacent beach,” the statement concluded.