THE man behind a proposed seafront swimming pool has spoken of his delight after the project was given the green light.

The Sea Lanes development has been given permission to build a 50-metre pool in Madeira Drive, Brighton, and looks set to open in spring 2022.

The plans will see transformation of the former Peter Pan site into the National Open Water Swimming Centre.

Joe McNulty, Sea Lanes Brighton Director, said: “We are delighted that Brighton and Hove City Council has granted us permission to go ahead.

"We hope to begin construction in the Autumn with the outdoor heated pool and business units opening in Spring 2022.

The Argus:

“The support we have had from the local community has been overwhelming and in the current climate we are looking forward to providing the Brighton community with better swimming facilities, jobs and security.”

A planning application, which went before Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee, was given the go ahead after councillors voted 7-2 to approve.

The development aims to help revive the eastern part of Brighton Seafront by delivering a permanent 50m open air heated swimming pool, which will "be accessible to all".

The swimming pool will be supported by small business units suitable for retail, health and fitness as well as a food court with street food kiosks and an outdoor seating area.

Swimming holiday company SwimTrek has already committed to house its headquarters in the complex.

The new development will create over 100 new jobs for the local area including lifeguards, a pool general manager and a learn to swim co-ordinator.

An original application for a 25-metre pool on the site, next to the existing Yellow Wave volleyball courts, was granted five-year temporary planning permission in 2019.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown, said the councillors had made the right decision. 

He said: "I'm looking forward to heading down as soon as it opens. 

"It will be the only 50-metre pool in the whole of the Greater Brighton area, which is so important for people trying to train. 

"It will provide a real focus for the health club offering down there. We have the fantastic Yellowave, Sea Lanes, the beautiful sauna boxes as well as some of those yoga studios. And, of course, climbing walls and crazy golf. 

"This is what Madeira Drive needs, not more commercial, but something unique and I think that's what we have here. 

"I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be doing my leisure swimming at Saltdean Lido and training at Sea Lanes. 

"I might be able to give up my gym membership permanently."