Caversham Lakes water sports venue closes after planning row

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

A water sports venue is to "cease operations immediately" following a fight over retrospective planning permission.

Cosmonaut Leisure opened Caversham Lakes in 2020 during the Covid pandemic on Henley Road in Reading.

However, retrospective applications were denied and appeals to the Planning Inspectorate dismissed.

The company said it was with "deep sadness" it was closing with the loss of 150 summer jobs.

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

It is under the jurisdiction of South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC), which said it refused permission "on the grounds of insufficient information on certain aspects".

The head of planning previously said the harm brought by the new development "would not be outweighed by public benefits".

'Insufficient information'

The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the leisure company's appeal and upheld the enforcement notice.

Its appeal decision found that the development "unacceptably harms the character and appearance of the area" and the significant increase in road users "could result in an unacceptable effect on highway safety".

In a statement Caversham Lakes said: "Regrettably, the council's unwavering stance against our existence, despite overwhelming support and evidence, has led to this unfortunate outcome.

"The lake has always had recreational use for general public access and a retrospective application should not have been needed and was forced on us because they didn't want such a great leisure venue to exist.

"Despite our efforts and the outpouring of support, it seems the council remains steadfast in its opposition to our vision.

"We believe in the coexistence of humans and nature, yet the council's actions suggest otherwise."

It said it was "hopeful for change, especially in this election year".

SODC received hundreds of letters both in support and opposition to the plans for the site, which offered paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and open water swimming.

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