The popularity of wood-fired saunas is sparking a backlash from neighbours concerned about the smoke they generate.
Two cafes have recently applied to either build or to keep wood-fired saunas in their back gardens.
But although plenty of customers are keen to use the steam rooms, neighbours are less keen on the prospect of the associated smoke and its impact on air quality.
The latest application, validated this month, is for a new cafe and community wellness centre on the corner of Portland Road and Titian Road, in Hove.
It includes a wood-fired sauna in its courtyard.
Ten people – all of whose details have been redacted – have commented supporting the plans. But one neighbour has objected, saying: “Smoke, acrid firelighting smells and repeated emissions make it difficult to use gardens, open windows or enjoy normal domestic life.
“That is not a theoretical concern; it is what happens when a commercial wood burner is placed close to homes.”
Another Hove cafe, Flat Out, applied in March to keep its existing sauna, and dozens of customers commented to support the plans.
But the cafe’s neighbours have now also commented, to object to the woodburner. One said: “My home is less than 30 yards away from this development.
“The existing sauna was placed without planning permission and through the winter months the smoke from the wood burner drifts across to my garden and to my apartment and I have had to close my windows to stop the smoke and awful smell from coming into my home.”
Another said: “I live locally and I find it very hard to understand why a new commercial wood-burning sauna should be approved at the same time Brighton and Hove is moving towards stronger smoke control across the city.”
There are currently 55 supporting comments and 36 objecting.
Brighton and Hove City Council recently ran a six-week consultation on creating a smoke control area to cover the whole of the city.
This would mean that only Defra-approved woodburning stoves could be used in Brighton and Hove.
To view or comment on the Portland Road application, click here.
To view or comment on the Flat Out application, click here.
