One of the last lidos in Sussex is set to close for good.

The art deco Saltdean Lido, which has been an iconic seafront attraction for more than 70 years, will undergo a £12 million redevelopment if plans are approved.

Owner Dennis Audley, who is funding the project to create more than 100 apartments on the site, said his proposals would mean the loss-making outside swimming pool would be concreted over.

Yesterday, hundreds of people gathered at the community hall at Saltdean Lido, in Saltdean Park Road, to look at plans which are expected to be submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council in four weeks time.

Many voiced their dismay that there would not be any swimming pool for local residents.

Speaking at the event Mr Audley said the city’s weather did not make an outside pool viable.

He added:“In the early years we would take £60,000 in the open season for three months. Over the past three years it has been £4,000 a time.

“I have made a loss of £250,000 running the building over the past ten years and I just cannot finance it anymore.”

The redevelopment, which has been designed by architect Mark Strawbridge, from CAMplan, will include 102 apartments and community facilities including a library, similar to the Jubilee Library in Brighton.

The lido will become an enclosed space which will be filled in and could contain either a children's splash pool, be used for concerts or turned into an ice skating rink in the winter.

The Grade II Listed facade will remain largely untouched.