Saltdean Lido campaigners form business plan

Saltdean Lido has lost £250,000 in the past five years, its leaseholder said

Campaigners fighting plans to demolish a Grade II-listed outdoor pool in Sussex have put together a business plan to try to save it.

The leaseholder of Saltdean Lido, which was built in the 1930s, wants to build flats on the site.

Rebecca Crook, of the Save Saltdean Lido Campaign, said campaigners wanted to restore the site to its former glory and improve the existing facilities.

One idea is to introduce a heating system to extend the pool's season.

The campaign group is working with an architects' firm to develop a business plan on how to maintain the site.

'Iconic building'

Ms Crook said Britain's love affair with the seaside holiday was stronger than ever, after recent flight disruption because the volcanic ash cloud and the recession.

She added: "People are genuinely outraged by the proposals and are very worried at the prospect of losing such a beautiful iconic building to flats."

The leaseholder of the lido has proposed turning it into an apartment block and an all-year leisure facility.

Dennis Audley, who has leased the lido from Brighton and Hove City Council for the last 10 years, said it had lost more than £250,000 over five years due to a succession of poor summers.

Previously, he said the outdoor pools would be retained, with plans for an additional pool inside the complex.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it would work to protect the appearance of the listed 1930s building.