AN OUTLINE planning application has now been submitted for a Brine Baths to be returned to Droitwich.
The proposal, now with Wychavon District Council, will include a dual purpose brine bath, jacuzzi and cafe.
It has been submitted on behalf of the local interest group SOBBS (Save Our Brine Baths).
The purpose of the application is to establish, in principle, permission for a single-storey brine baths building to be costructed next to the town’s successful Lido.
If the outline permission is agreed the group would then look for a prospective developer.
The design would be sympathetic to the existing art-deco lido building and would be aimed at meeting residents’ social and wellbeing needs whilst enhancing the Spa town’s unique brine heritage, boosting the local economy and providing an area for medical treatments.
A brine baths was first established in Droitwich in 1935 and it was widely used by visitors from across the country bringing prosperity to the town.
It was subsequently replaced by a brine bath at the Droitwich Spa Private Hospital but, due to operational reasons, that was shut in 2008.
SOBBS, in a statement issued as part of the application, said it was evident local residents wanted to see the brine baths re-established in the town.
“The previous site is no longer available – our application to build adjacent to the lido is based on sound technical and operational reasons.
“Firstly the brine is readily available using the supply used in the water at the lido and secondly, the existing management could be used for both facilities.”
In 2009 BMI Healthcare agreed to pay £200,000 to Wychavon District Council which the authority plans to use to contribute towards providing the brine bath.
SOBBS added, as it had previously stated in its proposal last summer, it may in the future use part of that money to convert the first floor of the current lido building into health and beauty treatment rooms.
Residents are urged to have their say on the application with the consultation period running until March 8.
Views can be expressed by visiting https://plan.wychavon.gov.uk/ and searching for application number W/16/03043/OU
