TOWN councillors in Minehead are to be given a presentation on a proposed seafront development by the new owners of the former Lido site.

The nine-acre disused outdoor swimming pool site in Warren Road has been purchased by Uxbridge-based Prowting Homes Ltd from the Rank Group plc.

It represents the last available large-scale development land in the town and the only remaining seafront location.

Rank, which also owns the neighbouring Butlins holiday centre, held planning consent for 250 houses, flats and holiday units.

It was thought to have put a condition on the sale preventing any competitive leisure use of the land.

Prowting was believed to be putting together a similar scheme for which it will apply to West Somerset District Council for planning consent.

Details of the project will be given to town councillors later this month before a formal application is submitted.

News of the land deal upset civic pressure group West Somerset Watchdogs, which was concerned Prowting property prices would be beyond the reach of low-paid local people.

Watchdogs deputy chairman Chris Dyer said part of the Lido site had been used by Butlins as a day visitor car park.

However, it now appeared Butlins would instead use a promenade car park built by the district council with the aid of a £1 million European grant.

Mr Dyer said: "I am concerned Butlins is selling off its car park for housing and making a huge profit while at the same time relying on the council and ratepayers to provide it with a cheap alternative."

District council spokesman Norman Staples said negotiations were taking place with Prowting to try to secure some leisure or social use of the Lido site.

Mr Staples said: "The site is already earmarked for housing and has existing outline planning permission granted ten years ago.

"The council is anxious for a mixed development of homes and leisure facilities on the site."