A waterside leisure centre could be demolished and replaced with holiday accommodation, if a controversial planning application gets the go-ahead.  

Ninety residents have so far shared their views of the plans for the Buckden Marina and Leisure Club, with the vast majority concerned about losing the facilities forever.  

“Please, don't allow it to be knocked down,” one resident wrote in their objection to the plans. 

The leisure centre - located in the village of Buckden, near St Neots – never reopened to the public after the coronavirus pandemic.   

It has a swimming pool, a spa with a steam room and sauna and a gym.

There is also a bar and restaurant with a veranda overlooking a marina popular with boaters. 

Developer Buckden Properties Ltd wants to knock down the leisure centre complex and use the site to construct an apartment building containing 20 holiday lets. 

If approved by planners, there will be 10 one-bedroom apartments, eight two-beds and two three-beds built over three storeys.  

The plans – which were submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council last August – also feature parking for cars and bikes as well as moorings.  

Residents have until Friday (April 7) to officially let the council know their views.  

Kelly Thompson, a paramedic who lives in Buckden, is particularly keen to see the leisure centre serving the community once again.  

She said: “I was out running one day and came across the leisure centre. I couldn’t believe it was closed, this building has so much to offer. 

“From my perspective, if this is lost forever it will have a detrimental effect on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of residents. 

“I’ve since found out the building qualifies to be listed as an Asset of Community Value through Huntingdonshire District Council. 

“Should the developers be unsuccessful with their plans and wish to sell, we hope we are given the opportunity to purchase the building as a community. 

“If we are successful, we will look into forming a Community Interest Company to run the venue, where profits are put back into the venture.” 

Dawn Cooke, who owns one of the lodges surrounding the marina, added: “The leisure centre is a beautiful building, it was a wonderful asset and I hope it will reopen again one day.”