Plans have been submitted for the £20 million revamp of an ageing leisure centre - but residents have already raised concerns.

Dover District Council (DDC) has lodged its proposal for Tides Leisure Centre in Deal, which marks the next step in a major overhaul planned for the site.

The scheme, estimated to take two years, will see the current pool building replaced by a six-lane pool, a new gym, and a toddler splash pad.

In a planning application submitted to itself, DDC says “the new centre will improve the health and wellbeing of the community in Deal and the wider area by providing an improved offer in sporting and leisure facilities”.

The authority adds the existing facility, which opened in 1987, requires a refresh after reaching the end of its operational lifespan.

But two residents have already submitted objections on DDC’s planning portal.

Margaret Wilde commented: “No to the six lane swimming pool, explain why we need that in Deal, it should have been in Whitfield.

“My grandchildren want to go and play and enjoy themselves. This is a ridiculous idea, whoever thought that one up.”

Mr Ian Keeble added: “This is extremely poor value for council taxpayers' money.

“The council has failed in its fiduciary, environmental and moral responsibility to its electorate.”

As well as the pool, Tides Leisure Centre is home to a gym, sports centre and tennis courts.

The dry facilities remain open at the site in Park Avenue.

The pool was closed and drained of water on March 16 as the first step in the site’s overhaul.

But it has since been the target of break-ins, and it is feared it could be a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The adjacent disused nursery building has also been targeted by vandals.

It was meant to be knocked down next winter, but in May, officers recommended that it happen in the summer.

Authority bosses say flattening the pool building and the adjacent former Park Avenue Nursery will cost £600,000.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

In February, DDC agreed to start the tendering process for a future operator of the centre to begin long-term operations from April 1 2026, for dryside facilities and summer 2027 for the full opening.

Your Leisure was approved as an interim operator for the sports hall and indoor tennis centre to remain open while works progressed on the new development.