Nottinghamshire naturist club member must take down inappropriate structure

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Councillors agreed to take enforcement action against a structure erected by a naturist club member

Councillors agreed to take enforcement action against a structure erected by a naturist club member

By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter

A member of a naturist club based in the grounds of Newstead Abbey Park has been ordered to remove an “inappropriate” structure.

Nottingham Sun Club is a private naturist club featuring wooden chalets, tennis courts, camping space and a clubhouse pavilion.

Its history dates back as far as the 1930s, according to the club’s website, and today it has a heated swimming pool and saunas.

Naturists practice nudity, believing going without clothes in a natural environment brings physical and mental health benefits.

According to Gedling Borough Council, a Nottingham Sun Club member has put up a glamping structure which goes against its planning rules.

During a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 5, councillors unanimously voted to authorise enforcement action.

Officer Nigel Bryan said the structure was “considered to be inappropriate and out of character with the area” and added: “It does raise some issues with the amenity of the neighbouring properties and therefore we would be looking to have the canopy structure removed.”

The structure is a four-metre high canopy which has been put up over a decking area.

The council says a club member, and owner of the structure, considers the development to be “nothing more than a temporary tent not requiring planning permission”.

“In this regard, his opinion is that the tent should be treated the same as any other tent pitched up on the site,” the council said.

While the council says it notes the structure has been constructed with the intention of it being a tent, it contains other elements that would not generally be associated with one.

“Of particular note are the timber support post, solid internal walls, the fitted kitchen units, the double-glazed doors and the integrated boiler heating system,” the council said.

“In this regard it is considered that the structure is not simply a temporary tent.”

The council also says the structure has been in place for three years, and has therefore been a permanent feature during that time.

It must now be removed.

Nottingham Sun Club has been contacted for comment.

We are excited to welcome new families and couples to join our wonderful club set in beautiful mature grounds in the heart of Robin Hood country,” the club says on its website.

“Naturism is growing in popularity. Many people who discover naturism describe the wonderful sense of freedom and empowerment it brings.”

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