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Jersey's first pop-up sauna has been "left in the dark" amid threats of relocation which the owner claims would "destroy" future revenue.
Cole McLean founded the Sauna Society in July with the aim of setting up an array of outdoor 'pop-up' saunas across the island.
Speaking of his love of saunas, he explained: "It has huge benefits on my physical and mental wellbeing.
"It's like a high, you feel so good."
Pictured: Cole McLean describes himself as an "avid sauna user".
Originally based at St Ouen's Bay, Mr McLean's pop-up sauna relocated to St Catherine's Bay two weeks ago for the winter months.
This followed help from the Ports of Jersey in finding a new spot in the east of the island.
The new location at the top of St Catherine's slipway was chosen because it is out of the way of boats approaching the pier and is “hardly ever used”, Mr McLean explained.
Pictured: The traditional Finnish woodburning sauna features a large glass window looking out over the sea.
The Sauna Society founder said: “I paid Ports the licensing fee until the end of March, agreed and signed terms and conditions, submitted my planning application and paid the fee for a P4 moveable structure to the planning department.
“All of our customers have highlighted how fantastic our new spot is and that they are so happy where it is currently.
"This spot really has an amazing view, with close proximity to the sea highlighting the very best of what Jersey has to offer."
Pictured: The Sauna Society's new location on the entrance to the slipway at St Catherine's.
However, just two weeks after moving to the new location, Mr McLean was informed by Ports that the sauna had to relocate “without a clear explanation”.
When Express asked about the grounds for relocation, Ports stated that the land in question is under Government administration. To operate on this land would therefore require a new planning application, the outcome of which is unknown.
However, Mr McLean said that moving would "destroy [his] future revenue, and make it difficult to make enough revenue to keep everything going".
Pictured: The pop-up sauna looking out to the sunrise over St Catherine's Bay.
He said: "I have been completely left in the dark, having gone through all the correct procedures and protocols of which I was aware, and now I am being told I am having my business pulled from underneath me."
Although Ports did offer alternative locations in St Catherine’s, Mr McLean found them unsuitable, explaining: “I don't have access to running water down there at all and they want to put me along the breakwater on the clay-type ground which would further damage the inside of my sauna from people bringing it in on their feet."
The Sauna Society owner continued: “My customers, some of whom are fairly elderly would have to walk through a busy car park dodging traffic in order to get down to the slipway for a sea swim, which completely ruins the novelty of what we are aiming to do.”
When asked by Express to confirm if the alternative sites were appropriate, Ports declined to comment.
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In a bid to halt the relocation, Mr McLean attempted to initiate a petition to allow “people to show support for the current location”.
However, it was rejected on the grounds that that petition would be "about something that Ministers or the States Assembly is not responsible for".
Mr McLean is now hoping to get in touch with the relevant Government officials, exploring options like remaining in the current location, refunding the permit fee he has already paid, or potentially transferring the permit to the Government.
WATCH: Could saunas start popping up around Jersey?
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