Beach bar sauna and toilet upgrade plans approved

Sobo Beach says swimmers often use the toilet cubicles to get changed

A beach cafe's plans to upgrade a toilet block and install a sauna have been approved.

Sobo Beach in Southbourne, Bournemouth, will take over the council-owned toilet block next to its business after saying it wanted to "raise the standards".

The new electric sauna will be able to accommodate up to 25 guests and will have changing rooms and storage facilities.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plan.

The plans aim to cut the amount of sand brought inside by adding outdoor showers

Out of 69 consultation responses, more than two thirds were in support of the proposal.

Concerns raised about air pollution from a wood burning stove used to heat the sauna were addressed by the applicants switching to an electric sauna instead.

Councillor Bernadette Nanovo, for East Southbourne and Tuckton, told the committee the plans were "more of a positive than a negative".

Sobo's proposals include doubling the number of ladies' cubicles, installing a public changing area for swimmers and installing outdoor showers.

Operations manager Rich Slater previously said the new facilities would be accessible and remain free for public use but would be maintained and cleaned more frequently.

He said: "We hope this can become a model for how private businesses can improve public facilities at a time when councils all over the country face financial restrictions and public services are cut as a result."