I regularly drive past Saltdean Lido en route between Brighton and Newhaven. Every time I pass, I think “won’t it be nice when it’s open for summer again”. But, if developers have their way, there’ll be no more outdoor dipping in the lido. According to recent plans revealed at a public meeting on 11 March, the pool may be concreted over to create a market area and skating rink while the facade of the iconic 30s building will be ‘preserved’ amid yet another housing development featuring 100 modern flats. And what a furor that has caused!

Personally I think: do we need another one of those developments locally – the place is awash with “city living by the sea” type housing ‘experiences’.

I can see the arguments against the lido, which go as follows: the Brighton/Saltdean residents didn’t use it sufficiently to justify keeping it open and, hence, it made a massive loss that cannot be sustained; most successful remaining lidos are located in urban areas away from the coast; Saltdean Lido is near the sea so why not go to the beach instead; the British summer is too cold for “bracing” outdoor bathing. However, I think local people would make use of a renovated lido with a decent cafe and recreational facilities and would prefer that to yet another concrete market area. As the advertising slogan at the Newhaven Harbour housing development says: “for successful living, just add water”. Well, quite. “Remove water and just add concrete” doesn’t have the same cachet.

I caught up with Rebecca Crook, a resident of Saltdean who is part of the ‘Save Saltdean Lido Campaign’ (http://www.saltdeanlidocampaign.org). Run online, the campaign has fast gained momentum since launching on Thursday 11 March, directly after the public meeting to present ‘mood boards’ for the lido’s intended new look.

Rebecca says: “The campaign has attracted a huge amount of publicity and comment from local residents, councillors and architectural organisations. We think the lido is such an iconic building. So many buildings have been lost to flats and people feel passionate about saving the lido and its amenities for the community.

“Obviously, we're not experts in managing lidos. However, a number of successful lidos are currently running across the UK. With a solid business plan, the right vision and management, we’re convinced that Saltdean Lido could be restored to its former glory and be used all year round. Brockwell Lido in London was transformed to meet modern-day needs while retaining the architectural charm of the building. It operates from May to September, a much longer season than Saltdean Lido currently offers. Tooting Bec Lido operates a similar opening season and, for the rest of the year, the pool is used by the South London Swimming Club. Other lidos include Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth, Droitwich Spa Lido in Worcestershire and Banbury Woodgreen Lido in Oxfordshire.”

She adds: “With investment, anything is possible.”

Whatever happens, I hope Saltdean Lido won’t follow in the footsteps of Brighton’s West Pier – i.e. falling into further decay while awaiting third party accord on how to move forwards.