Life Forge Norway

Quick Update - We are so close now!🐐 After we were given another chance to show how our sauna and paddling base was safe and should be allowed to operate, our architects from White Arkitekter sent in a new application showcasing how we would address all concerns. You can read that here on our case file under “Komplettering - fra Whit...

Onwards and upwards!!! 🛠️🐐❤️🔥
“Catch you@on the water!”

Response to Oslo Havn's Assessment

Upon further review, several points raised in the assessment appear unreasonable or inconsistent. Below is a detailed response addressing these concerns:

1. Swimming Safety
Existing Use: The area in question is already a popular swimming spot, regardless of sauna activities. Our operations do not introduce swimming but provide structure and safety to an activity already taking place.

Commitment to Safety: We have committed to employing full-time lifeguards, which will make the area safer than ever for all users, not just our customers.

Contrasting Risks: It is worth noting that the only fatal accident in the inner Oslofjord this year was caused by a collision between two ships, unrelated to swimming or paddling. This highlights that the primary safety risks in the area stem from boat traffic, not recreational activities like ours.

2. Kayak and SUP Activities
Unaddressed Proposal: Oslo Havn's response does not mention our kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) activities. These are low-impact, environmentally friendly activities that support Oslo Havn's goal of increasing public access to the fjord.
Need for Clarification: We require a clear response on whether these activities are supported, as they are a significant part of our operations and community engagement.

3. Support During Havnelangs Festival
Previous Collaboration: Oslo Havn has actively supported and promoted both our sauna and paddling activities during the Havnelangs Festival in September.

Inconsistency: It is contradictory to publicly support and include us in a high-profile event, yet deny support for our formal application. How can the same activities be acceptable for a festival but unsuitable for regular operations?

4. Precedent with Oslo Badstuforening
Approved Permits: Oslo Badstuforening has received approval from Oslo Havn for similar floating sauna activities in regulated boating areas.

Comparable Case: This precedent demonstrates that such activities can coexist safely with maritime traffic. We have attached documentation supporting this comparison for reference.

5. Comparable Applications: KOK
KOK's Application: We understand that KOK, another operator in a boating-regulated area, has submitted a permit application. Their location is directly beside a boat dock and a "kiss and sail" dock for short stops.

Future Consistency: If Oslo Havn denies our application based on safety concerns in a boating-regulated area, will the same reasoning apply to KOK's application? Consistency in decisions across similar cases is essential for fairness.

Conclusion
Our proposal actively enhances safety through lifeguards, supports Oslo Havn's goal of public access to the fjord, and follows precedents set by other operators. The inconsistencies in Oslo Havn's response suggest a lack of balanced evaluation. We therefore request a reconsideration of our application based on these points.

Links to PBE case: https://innsyn.pbe.oslo.kommune.no/saksinnsyn/casedet.asp?direct=Y&mode=&caseno=202458483

Links to Map regulation: https://od2.pbe.oslo.kommune.no/kart/?saksnr=202458483

Link to our email: https://mailchi.mp/madgoats.no/oslo-havn-does-not-support-us

Make sure to sign up to our Newsletter on our homepage for more context and updates on this ongoing case: https://madgoats.no

Lastly, link to Fjord Byen Mandate which clearly states the activities we provide are inline with the cities visions, so in theory we should be getting support from Oslo Kommune - https://www.oslo.kommune.no/slik-bygger-vi-oslo/fjordbyen/

Stay Goaty!