Inverness Bellfield Park sauna plan recommended for approval

Councillors have been asked to approve plans for a 26-seat electric community sauna in an Inverness public park.

Community Sauna Highland’s proposal for Bellfield Park, which is in a residential area on the city’s riverside, includes a cold plunge pool and changing room.

Highland Council has received 12 objections and 13 messages of support to the plans.

Officials at the local authority have recommended that next week’s south planning applications committee grant full planning permission, but with conditions.

They include restrictions on noise and a requirement that a member of staff is at the site at all times when open.

Among objectors’ concerns were a lack of parking at the park and noise from visitors.

People supporting the application said it would help bring the community together and improve an “unsightly” corner of the park.

In a report to the committee, officials said the sauna would be screened from view by hedges and there were no plans for music or alcohol to be permitted.

Sauna bathing is described as a form of therapy that takes place in a room usually heated by burning wood or electricity.

It is popular in parts of northern Europe including Finland, Sweden and Germany.

Bellfield Park, on Inverness’s Riverside area, already has tennis courts and a council-maintained children’s play area.