A 50m swimming lido has been proposed as an alternative use of the historic filter bed site in Surbiton.

A bid by Hydro Properties to build 60 unique homes on pontoons and a marina has split opinion since it was revealed last November.

Now Councillor Barry O’Mahony, chairman of the Thames Landscape Strategy, has proposed outdoor swimming on the site so all residents of Kingston can benefit from development.

He also suggested removing the proposed moorings on the outside river wall, replacing the leisure marina with a smaller number of fixed houseboats, and keeping floating housing.

He said: “A bathing site like that on a fine Sunday would attract so many people. If they are going to float big concrete boxes, why can’t they float a big concrete swimming pool?

“As the plans stand, the population of Surbiton will get very little out of this.”

Surbiton resident, and champion of the filter bed site, Robin Hutchinson agreed and said: “I think the community is beginning to slowly realise this shouldn’t be a yes or no situation, it should be a what if?”

Phillip Wallis of Hydro Properties said: “By listening to the views of local representatives and organisations before designing the scheme, we were able to develop and present plans that had broad support and input from The outset.”

He said the improvements that people wanted, such as an improved ecological area were made possible by the 60 low level, high quality homes.

Mr Wallis said consultations were continuing with local groups and that the proposals represented a unique opportunity to deliver real community benefits and a long-lasting legacy at the site.