A WATERSPORTS leisure park in Caversham has been operating without planning permission in place.
Cosmonaut Leisure launched its bouncy aqua park in 2020 at Caversham Lakes. Facilities include an exclusive island which can be privately hired and is for those aged 16 upwards.
But the centre has never been granted approval for its activities.
The lake is under South Oxfordshire District Council’s jurisdiction, but lies right on the boundary with Reading Borough.
Earlier this year, Cosmonaut Leisure submitted a plan to ‘regularise’ the use of the lake for watersports.
At a meeting in July, Reading Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously objected, judging that insufficient evidence has been given to demonstrate the impact of the destination on the road network, expressing fears additional traffic would have an adverse affect on nearby roads.
Cllr Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham) said: “While this is obviously a popular location, the effect on local transport in our area hasn’t had a chance to be assessed.
“As neighbouring ward councillors, we agree that we have to make this representation to South Oxfordshire.”
The decision will likely be made by South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee.
It was expected this would happen last month, but the application is still ‘under consideration’ on the council’s planning portal.
A spokesperson for South Oxfordshire District Council said: “The application is still in progress as further supporting information is expected from the applicant in response to the formal consultation responses received.
“Once this additional information has been received by the council and considered by officers, we hope to be in a position to make a formal recommendation on the application.”
Caversham Lakes have not responded to a request for comment.
Its planning agent Paul Bedwell said use of the lake become an economically beneficial tourist destination, with use limited to its eastern bank, and declines during colder months from November to March.
A previous attempt to confirm the use of the lakes as a leisure destination was refused in October last year.
If Cosmonaut Leisure continues to use the lake without official approval, it could be liable to enforcement action, which typically involves costly legal proceedings.
The application, reference P22/S1691/FUL, can be seen on South Oxfordshire County Council’s planning website.
