Update: Since this article was published, Porthcawl Town Council has said the plans were “misinterpreted” and the toilets will be of “traditional construction”.
It stated: “The town council are committed to providing new toilets that will be good quality and of traditional construction. The various features listed in the design statement will not be included in the construction. Appropriate amendments will be made to the design and access statement as necessary.”
A Welsh town is planning to install ‘anti-sex’ public loos that are designed to deter antisocial behaviour by literally throwing cold water on occupants, sounding an embarrassing alarm and automatically opening the door.
The seaside destination of Porthcawl has submitted planning documents for the new facilities in Griffin Park, which detail features including ‘violent’ movement sensors, weight-sensitive floors and interior water jets.
These sensors will reportedly be used to determine whether users are congregating in the loos for sex, drug taking or vandalism.
The high-tech toilets don’t come cheap with the town council reportedly spending £170,000 on the luxurious lavatories.
But concerns have already been raised before building has even begun.
The weight-sensitive floors are designed to ensure only one person uses a cubicle at any one time to safeguard against sexual activity – and people on Twitter had notes.
People also raised questions around the accessibility issues of the design – does it account for parents helping young children go to the loo Or elderly people and those who need carers to assist them? What about those carrying heavy bags into the toilet with them?And will the upper weight limit allow for individual users of a greater weight to use the facilities?
As for ‘violent’ movement sensors, what if people with disabilities or mobility issues move in a way judged as abnormal by the technology?
The features are also being touted as a way to tackle rough sleepers using them as shelter – any person attempting to sleep will face an audible warning, as well as the lights and heating being switched off to try and force them to leave.
Planning documents say: “Every effort has been made to make sure that the new toilet facility will enhance this location and be safe for the community at all times.”
The high-pressure wall washer will not only be for deterring non-desirable behaviour but will also be used to keep the toilets in good condition - either being deployed after every use or a certain number of users per day.
Each night the toilets will close for 10 minutes while the unit undertakes a deep clean and dry.
Responsibility for Porthcawl’s public toilets has been transferred from Bridgend Council to the town council. The existing facilities are due to close in October, while demolition and construction of the new building takes place.
Once the new building opens, visitors will have to pay to use the toilets with the charge yet to be decided. Whatever the cost, will they be worth £170,000?