Councillors are due to decide today whether a 50-metre swimming pool can be built on Brighton seafront.
Officials have given their backing to the scheme, with councillors already having voted to allow Sea Lanes to build a 25m pool on the beach in Madeira Drive.
Now the firm wants to build an Olympic-length outdoor pool instead by Peter Pan’s Playground – next to the Yellowave beach sports centre.
The verdict is due less than a week after council officials signed off amended plans for a high rope climbing course and raised café seating area on the other side of Yellowave.
Plans for the 52ft (16m) high rope structure were submitted by the Scottish operator Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf.
The newly approved plans include extending the café’s roof terrace over the Volk’s Electric Railway line by the Halfway Station.
Sea Lanes Brighton said that its scheme would create a heated 50m National Open Water Swimming Centre that would “transform Madeira Drive”.
The company said: “Sea Lanes Brighton hopes to create the UK’s first national open water swimming centre of excellence.
“Included in this will be a heated 50m outdoor swimming pool and associated facilities, endless pool training facilities and improved access to the sea.
“This will be supported with commercial buildings providing flexible space for local, independent businesses.
“The latest planning application plans to be considered include
- Permanent 50m swimming pool
- Ten-year consent to enabling small business units
- Improved views through to the beach
…
The company said: “The new development will bring around 100 new job roles to Brighton in both the swimming pool and small business units.”
Sea Lanes Brighton director Joe McNulty said: “We are pleased that the planning officers have recommended that our application be approved.
“We cannot wait to be given the go ahead so that we can start the build work in the autumn and opening in spring 2022.
“The support we have had from the local community has been overwhelming and in the current climate we are hoping to be able to offer the Brighton community not only better swimming facilities but the opportunity for jobs and security.”
