EXCLUSIVE talks regarding the Lido Pool will continue between a private developer and Wychavon District Council after councillors failed to block the move.

Thermae Ltd applied for an extra six months to draw up plans for the salty site and won approval from the executive committee.

However, some councillors claimed exclusive talks are unfair and the extension will further delay re-opening of the facility. Thermae has been in negotiations since January.

Cllr Roy Seabourne (Lab - West), Cllr Graham Gopsill (Lib Dem - Central) and Cllr John Grantham (Lib Dem-Pershore) requested the decision was called in for debate at last Tuesday's overview and scrutiny committee.

The trio argued the extension was not in the interest of residents but Tory members outvoted them, leaving the motion to flop.

Cllr Graham Gopsill said: "We knew the Tories would out vote us but we wanted to make the gesture. We have been promised a report on the latest developments in three months so we shall just have to wait and see what it says."

If the councillors had successfully called in the decision, it could have been deferred back the executive committee for discussion and even full council.

Thermae is proposing indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, treatment rooms, a restaurant, sauna, flotation pools and conference facilities.

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It claims an extra six months is needed to develop blueprints and hold a brine survey to ensure supply can meet demand.

The salty attraction closed three years ago when district leaders decided it was not financially viable to carry out costly repairs.