Caversham Lakes water sports venue at risk of closure

The site featured an inflatable aqua park, swimming, paddle boarding and a private island for hire

A popular water sports venue is at risk of closing after failing in appeals over planning permission.

Caversham Lakes, set up in 2020, featured an inflatable aqua park, swimming, paddle-boarding and a private island for hire.

But operators Cosmonaut Leisure did not apply for planning permission before opening.

Retrospective applications failed and appeals to the planning inspectorate were officially dismissed in January.

The decision means that South Oxfordshire District Council officials can begin to pursue enforcement action - including removing any buildings or structures on the site.

Caversham Lakes sits right on the boundary of South Oxfordshire and Reading Borough.

Councillor Jan Gavin, who represents Caversham on Reading Borough Council, said: "It's such a pity that this leisure developer couldn't take note of the needs of the local people, of local planning, of the environment and try and find a balance so that they could provide suitable leisure facilities for local people but in an environmentally safe way.

"It's a good decision but how sad it's come to this."

The junction of Henley Road and Caversham Park Road had been labelled an "accident waiting to happen"

The largest concern was over the access to the lakes, with the main route falling within Reading Borough.

Councillor Simon Robinson called the junction of Henley Road and Caversham Park Road an "accident waiting to happen".

On the outcome for the site, he added: "It is tinged with sadness as well, because we know that the facility has proven exceptionally popular with many local residents and has provided a lot of pleasure and fun for people."

Caversham Lakes said it was still open for business and would be taking legal action in the High Court.