Planners set to approve sauna despite protests

People living close to what was formerly known as “Pastry Plus”, in Handsworth, Sheffield, say the massage business should be refused permission and should be located “elsewhere, such as Attercliffe” – an area known for housing a large concentraion of brothels.

Other opponents say the massage parlour would “attract undesirable people” and could lead to an “increase in kerb crawling” in the area.

Adverts online for the new business describe it as a “brand new massage parlour with the finest ladies, in beautiful surroundings”.

The description goes on: “Sauna, steam room, very relaxed and un-hurried.”

Earlier this month, South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield Council held a meeting at Handsworth Methodist Church with worried neighbours, to discuss their concerns about the “sauna and massage parlour” in Finchwell Close.

A total of 70 letters of objection from residents, as well as one from Coun Mary Lea, have also been submitted to Sheffield Council in relation to the plans.

However, planning officials say that the application should be passed next Tuesday, September 3 as “moral issues relating to the operation of a massage parlour or sauna, and associated behaviour, are not material planning considerations”. Paperwork set to go before the planning committee meeting says that councillors should remember that the “main consideration in the determination of this planning application is the proposed change of use of the premises.”

The planning officials add in the report: “Moral issues surrounding a sauna or massage parlour or the clientele it is perceived to attract, can hold no weight in the decision as they are not material planning considerations.”

They add that the site is in what is designated as a “business area”, where there “are a number of established commercial uses including heavy industrial uses that generally operate without restriction”.

The planners’ report goes on: “The proposal is not considered to generate any significant noise or disturbance from its operation or from customers coming and going to and from the premises.

“Due to the nature of the proposal it is considered to generate significantly less noise than the previous industrial use.

“The applicant has stated on the application forms that they wish to operate between 10am and 9pm, seven days a week.

“Taking account of the nature of the use and location of the building at the end of a cul de sac in an established business area, some 70 metres from the nearest residential dwellings and not visible from them, the proposal is not considered to give rise to any amenity issues.

“Subject to the hours of use being conditioned, it is concluded that the proposal will not detrimentally affect the living conditions of adjoining properties.”

The planning officers also say that any allegations that the building is being used as a brothel, rather than a genuine sauna or massage parlour “are a police matter”.

The report concludes: “Despite the presence of residential accommodation in the vicinity, the operation of the unit as a massage parlour is not considered to give rise to any noise and disturbance issues in this location where there are already established commercial premises, and hours of use will be controlled by planning condition.

“It is concluded that the development complies with the relevant policies and proposals... and is not considered to detrimentally affect the character of the area or give rise to any amenity issues or highways issues which would warrant the refusal of this application.”

Next Tuesday’s meeting, at which a decision on the application will be made, takes place at Sheffield town hall at 2pm.