Bare-Bums

Nudists furious

Members of the White House Club in Warlingham, Surrey, have been pushed beyond those by their local council, which has approved plans for a tower block overlooking their grounds.
The club says that its 300 members can swim naked in its 50ft outdoor swimming pool, relax in its sauna or play tennis on its two outdoor courts. Other activities at the five–acre site include table tennis, basketball, badminton and bowls.
But their seclusion looks like it may be rudely interrutped afterTandridge council approved the construction of a five–storey block of flats on the site of a disused office block just 300 yards away.
David Mason, the director of the club, which opened in 1933 and has a membership whose ages range from two to 90, said scores of members had complained to the council and that he was disappointed with the decision.
"Our members playing tennis or standing in front of our clubhouse can be overlooked, especially when the screening trees' foliage is down," he said. "We want to see measures put in which preclude overlooking, and protect our environment, which has been a haven of tranquillity and recreation for more than 70 years."
One of the members, Wendy, 33, a mother of two from Croydon, said she was concerned that the building could attract "undesirable elements".
"This is a lovely, relaxed place where the children and I can come and enjoy its privacy," she said.
Another naturist, a 26–yearold secretary who did not want to be named, said she would "not feel comfortable" being overlooked by so many people while swimming, sunbathing or playing tennis. "Not that I'm ashamed of my body, but I don't want any Tom, Dick or Harry staring at me from their windows," she said.
The club's website states that it is a great place to unwind, adding: "Our beautiful naturist club is one of the nicest places to exercise, unwind and enjoy being naked in nature.
"Whether you want to swim naked every morning or simply enjoy getting an all–over tan during a summer weekend, our club is there for all our members to enjoy."
Sakina Bradbury, a local councillor, defended the proposal. "Putting homes in must be better than what's there now," she said.