By Ryan Sands
PLANS for a new ‘coastal health facility’ beside Minerstown Beach have been lodged.
A planning application, submitted to council planners by Beach Box on Monday, proposes a ‘hardstanding area for parking of mobile sauna, cold water tub, shower, a coffee dock and WC’ – as well as the ‘use of existing boathouse to house kayaks and canoes for open sea swimmers and sea sports activists’ – on lands east of Minerstown Road, Rossglass.
A supporting statement says that the proposal – which it describes as ‘a coastal health facility’ – is for ‘a non-permanent mobile sauna and coffee trailer and associated facilities to be located on privately owned family land between the road and the beach at Minerstown’ and that it aligns with the council’s ‘tourism strategy, rural development aims and community wellbeing objectives’.
‘The proposal introduces a unique, low-impact amenity that complements the natural setting of Minerstown and enhances the district’s “Mountains, Myths and Maritime” tourism identity,’ it reads.
‘The project offers a wellness-focused coastal experience paired with locally sourced refreshments.
‘It delivers a distinctive visitor activity that supports the council’s commitment to developing innovative hospitality, wellbeing and outdoor recreation opportunities.
‘As Minerstown is situated within a designated rural tourism area, the business will help broaden the spread of tourism benefits beyond established centres such as Newcastle, contributing to rural economic vitality in a modest and sustainable way.
‘The project’s key strength is its fully mobile, reversible design.
‘No permanent structures are required, and all equipment can be removed without disturbance to the landscape.
‘This ensures the natural character and environmental integrity of the coastline are preserved, while allowing the provision of a valuable amenity for both residents and visitors.
‘The business incorporates responsible operational practices, including the use of local suppliers and low-impact methods, supporting the council’s emphasis on sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism development.’
It is highlighted that the project ‘utilises an existing boathouse/barn as the only permanent structure’ and that it is envisaged that this will ‘house equipment that can be hired by customers, such as canoes, kayaks etc, and brings back into use an abandoned building’.
‘Minerstown currently lacks any form of amenity or service for the many walkers, sea swimmers and local residents who use the beach throughout the year,’ the document continues.
‘The proposed sauna and coffee trailer etc. would address this gap by providing a safe, welcoming space that enhances the wellbeing of the community.
‘The sauna element in particular supports year-round outdoor activity, encourages social connection and contributes positively to physical and mental health in line with the council’s health and wellbeing priorities.
‘Its ability to operate during all seasons also supports the tourism strategy’s aim to extend the visitor season and increase the resilience of rural tourism offerings.’
The statement adds that ‘Beach Box also encourages community interaction and responsible outdoor recreation, reinforcing the experiential and wellbeing-led tourism principles promoted within the council’s current tourism plans’.
‘By creating a small-scale, respectful and sustainable amenity rooted in the local landscape, the proposal aligns closely with the council’s ambition to support innovative rural enterprises that enhance visitor experience without placing strain on the environment,’ it concludes.
‘Given the facility’s temporary nature, minimal environmental footprint and strong alignment with strategic tourism and community objectives, we respectfully submit that this proposal represents a compatible and beneficial use for this location, and it is our considered view that this proposal presents a scheme that will provide a much-needed facility for cold water swimmers and the beach and tide users who frequent this area of coastline for recreational use all year round.’
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