Campaigners’ petition against development on former St Leonards bathing pool site

The event was held by Save Our Bathing Site (SOBS) and West Marina Org in protest over Hastings Borough Council’s (HBC) plans for a housing development on the site.

Organisers said in just over two hours, more than 170 residents signed the petition, despite the restrictions imposed by social distancing and having to use antibacterial gel.

Saturday’s event was to gather physical signatures alongside the online petition made available on Monday (June 22).

Lucie Mason, of SOBS, said: “What an amazing turnout on Saturday! We gathered 175 signatures in one morning.

“There were lots of people still unaware of HBC’s plan which demonstrates just how ineffective the community engagement has been in relation to this site.

“There is a paper copy (of the petition) being held at Sussex Fruits and if anyone knows any other businesses willing to hold one, or if anyone wants a copy to take and get signed let me know.

“This precious site is worth fighting for and being there on Saturday just confirmed that.

“So many people were sharing great memories of time spent at the lido. This unique space can be that special place again but not if HBC refuses to listen.”

Bryan Fisher, of West Marina Org, said: “We urge HBC, and Kim Forward in particular, to contact us and arrange a public meeting with the local community. Housing on this site is overwhelmingly rejected by residents, who are looking for vision from HBC in regenerating this unique seafront site.”

A council spokesman said: “The principle of developing the site for combined leisure and housing use followed a two-year consultation during the development of the Local Plan.

“That involved workshops, drop-in sessions, online responses, advertisements in the local paper, eventually culminating in an examination in public by a government planning inspector in which everyone who had lodged a complaint or suggestion was allowed to bring this to the attention of the inspector at an examination in public.

“That led to the Local Plan, incorporating proposals for the bathing pool site, in the final plan adopted by the council.

“The council, in line with the approved development plan, wishes to see the site developed for mixed housing and leisure uses. The housing element would contribute towards the development of the rest of the site.

“The council remains committed to creating a leisure destination that will benefit all Hastings residents, as well as providing much-needed housing, and create an attraction that will bring tourists to the eastern end of the promenade.

“The council does understand that the site is important, and sensitive, and will ensure that any development is appropriate, and built to the quality and standard of design that such a prominent and sensitive site deserves. The time being taken to agree the legal agreement and terms of the lease with the developer reflect this.

“The lease agreement has yet to be finalised but is close, having been disrupted by coronavirus as resources have inevitably been focused on other immediate concerns.

“The council understands that residents will have many concerns and they will be able to raise these and influence the final design through the consultation process with the developer.”

Anyone wanting to sign the petition should click here.

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