Long-awaited £8m plans to refurbish Tynemouth's outdoor swimming pool are set to be heard by North Tyneside Council.
The plans have generated huge public support with 351 residents on the council's planning portal backing the plans to return the pool to public use and transform the current "eyesore".
One resident wrote: "I have great memories of using the pool as a child and now I think it is time to reopen the pool and add to the amazing opportunities at the beach. Lidos have proved very successful all over Britain as they have reopened or been renovated.
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"This would be a gem for the area and having seen how many people use the beach I think it would be greatly used."
The pool opened in 1924 but by the 1970s had lost its appeal as international package holidays began to take off, according to the campaign group Friends of Tynemouth Outdoor Pool.
By the mid-1990s the council demolished the on-site buildings and eventually closed in 1996. Plans to restore the pool to its former glory have been ongoing for over 10 years.
The plans under discussion were submitted to the council back in 2016.
The planning statement from the Friends of Tynemouth Outdoor Pool reads: "Taken as a whole, the Application Scheme will bring about substantial public benefits that are not outweighed by any disbenefits, and there are no other reasons why planning permission should be withheld."
The campaign group estimates phase one of the redevelopment will cost "a little over £3m". The second phase, including the creation of changing rooms and a cafe in adjacent buildings, is also estimated to cost another £3m.
Another £1.75m is needed to make the adjacent building into two stories to possibly house a gym or restaurant. The campaign group hopes to find funding from a mix of sources including grants and awards.
According to the campaign's website, £100,000 has already been generated from events, merchandise and public donations and £90,000 was given to the project by the Coastal Revival Fund.
The group also claims around £100,000 of pro bono work has also gone into the project.
The Friends of Tynemouth Outdoor Pool states the new pool would encourage more active lifestyles, offer a safe space for families and create a new tourist attraction for the North East.
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