Plans for a mobile sauna to be situated at Saundersfoot harbour have been backed - despite concerns from one member of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee - Sarah Hoss, who warned that people choosing to take part in ‘cold-water dipping’ - entering the sea after being in a sauna could pose potential health risks for some.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee meeting of June 5, Bryony Rees and Miss K Evans sought a temporary two-year change of use of land to accommodate a mobile sauna at Saundersfoot Harbour, with planners recommended to conditionally approve the scheme.

The proposal for the off-grid wood-fired sauna, complete with a bespoke changing area, was brought to the Development Management Committee as the applicant is a member of staff who works for the authority.

A supporting letter for the application said: “As local businesswomen our aim is to provide affordable outdoor sauna sessions in a beautiful location that is compliant with local town planning regulations.

It is proposed the sauna would be located on the edge of the harbour car park.

One third party response has been received, saying there was a lack of proper consultation on the scheme, and raising concerns including visual appearance and it not being in keeping with the existing facilities.

Committee member Sarah Hoss warned that people choosing to take part in ‘cold-water dipping,’ entering the sea after being in a sauna could pose potential health risks.

She also said there was also “a big question mark” about the sauna’s location in the “busiest car park” in “one of the busiest resorts in Pembrokeshire”.

Bryony Rees, speaking at the meeting, said sauna users would be made aware of the potential issue.

Moving approval, Tenby county councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, an open-water swimmer herself, said: “I think it will be an enhancement for Saundersfoot,” conceding she was a little unconvinced about the location.

Saundersfoot county councillor for the seaside village’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams said the temporary approval gave planners the opportunity to revisit the scheme at a later date.