Hove Beach Set to Welcome New Community Sauna Complex

Great news for wellness enthusiasts and seafront lovers—a new community sauna complex is coming to Hove beach. Council planners have given the green light to the exciting development, which will be built on land between Lex's Café and Babble.

Strong Community Backing

The scheme has received overwhelming support from local residents. Planning officers noted that 51 letters of support were submitted in favour of the project, compared with just two objections. The strength of public backing clearly resonated with decision-makers, who recognised the genuine enthusiasm for bringing this wellness facility to the seafront.

Supporters highlighted the health and wellbeing benefits that a sauna facility would bring to the community. Many also praised the suitability of the location, the quality of the design and the potential economic benefits for the seafront area.

One resident captured the sentiment perfectly, describing the sauna as "a fantastic addition to Hove and a real asset to this part of the seafront." They noted how the facility could encourage people to use and enjoy the area throughout the year, particularly during the quieter winter months, bringing fresh energy and footfall to the seafront beyond the traditional summer season.

What's Included

The facility will be thoughtfully designed with community needs in mind. Plans include two saunas, changing facilities, an accessible toilet and changing area, staff space, showers, and cold plunge pools, with capacity for up to 18 users at a time. The supporting infrastructure has been carefully considered to ensure the facility is welcoming and accessible to all.

The approval allows the development to remain in place for up to five years, giving the community a genuine opportunity to experience the benefits while keeping the arrangement temporary and flexible.

Complementing the Seafront

Another supporter noted how the sauna would complement existing seafront activities. "This stretch of the seafront is already somewhere people come to exercise, meet friends, spend time outdoors and enjoy local businesses," they wrote. "A community sauna feels like a natural extension of that, providing another year-round activity that encourages people to make the most of the seafront."

While planning officers acknowledged that the proposal did conflict to some extent with policies that seek to restrict development on the city's shingle beaches, they concluded that the modest scale of the scheme, its temporary nature and the clear community benefits meant approval was justified.

For those passionate about wellness, community spaces and making the most of our seafront throughout the year, this new sauna complex represents a wonderful addition to what Brighton and Hove has to offer.

Source: Decision made on popular plans for new seafront sauna complex