CIVIC chiefs say plans to transform Lymington’s famous seawater baths have been wrecked by the decision to make it a listed building.

The Government has agreed to give it extra protection, sparking fears that proposals to carry out major improvements will have to be ditched. The baths, which celebrate their 180th anniversary later this year, are owned by Lymington and Pennington Town Council, which had hoped to reduce the size of the pool, build new facilities and use the revenue generated to modernise the site.

But it fears the plans will be thrown into disarray by the decision to make the pool a Grade II listed building.

Cllr John Olliff-Cooper, chairman of the amenities committee, told the annual town meeting: “At first glance it may seem that an accolade has been awarded to the town and the listing will certainly be regarded by a few activists as a victory.

“Sadly, it is likely that this will prove to be an extremely negative and expensive event.

But the decision to list the site was welcomed by former town councillor Tony Swain, ex-chairman of the seawater baths sub-committee. He said: “This is good news. It will guarantee that any future development will be carried out in a sensitive and sympathetic manner.”