An MP has criticised a council for a “lack of holistic thinking” in a row over plans for a big new leisure development.

Yesterday The Argus revealed proposals for a new £3 million outdoor swimming and sport-business hub in Madeira Drive, Brighton.

The scheme, from Brighton developer Copsemill Properties, includes offices, meeting rooms, a library, lecture theatre and running and cycling facilities for triathletes.

There are also plans to create a boardwalk to facilitate access to the beach for disabled people.

But Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown, has urged the council to rethink the plans due to the separate development at Saltdean Lido.

He said: “I am astounded at the lack of holistic thinking in the city council regarding the development.

“Only a few miles away is Saltdean Lido, which has already been awarded millions of pounds in funding, has an existing infrastructure, huge community support and a business plan that is viable for the long-term.

“The council awarded the lease to the Community Interest Company (CIC) which is now regenerating the Lido. This announcement makes no sense either for city tourism.”

Rebecca Crook, of Saltdean Lido CIC, was “disappointed” council officers failed to share plans for the Peter Pan site with her Lido campaign group.

She said: “Two outdoor swimming pools within a four mile radius is most unusual and certainly will impact on both businesses.

“The Lido project has local support and secured funding and will open next year as a heated outdoor pool.

“The bigger point is the lack of joined-up thinking from the council over major projects which continues to focus only on the seafront with outlying areas such as Saltdean left off the tourism strategy.”

Council chiefs say funding for the £3 million Madeira Drive project would be from private investment at no cost to the town hall.

Replying, Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the council’s economic development committee, said the Peter Pan site plan was “completely different” to the Lido.

He said: “I’m fascinated to read in today’s Argus that Rebecca Crook, who I have a lot of time for, is not concerned about the Peter Pan site.

“Nor should Simon Kirby – as it’s going to be an alternative opportunity for people in open water training which is not what’s on offer in Saltdean.

“Saltdean Lidio is an iconic, historic building. But open water swimming – and swimming for the disabled – is completely different.”

“One moan from Simon is it’s too close to the Lido. But it’s four miles apart. I have respect for Simon but he is simply wrong on this.”

Swim statistics

‘Bondi Beach’ will have a 50m, eight-lane open air heated salt water pool, swimming specific gyms and equipment.

There will also be restaurant with “amazing sea views”, a possible venue for acoustic music and office and retail space for leisure and sports related businesses.

Saltdean Lido plans will see the pool divider removed, resulting in one big pool, as well as new underwater lights.

There will also be a new paddling pool, volleyball court, sand pit and play area.

Portable cabins and temporary beach huts will be installed for changing rooms while money is raised for the main building. There will also be a pop up café and provisions for music and theatre shows.