Caversham Lakes has uncertain future due to planning law

A company called Cosmonaut Leisure began operating watersports such as swimming paddling and leisure activities at Caversham Lake off Henley Road in 2020.

It also has a bouncy aqua park for families to enjoy and an exclusive island which can be privately hired and is for those aged 16+ only.

However, the existence of the destination is in question because the company never received planning permission for activities on the lake.

READ MORE: Company continues push to use Caversham Lake for watersports 

This Spring, Cosmonaut Leisure submitted a plan to  ‘regularise’ the use of the lake for watersports.

The lake falls under South Oxfordshire District Council’s jurisdiction, but lies right on the boundary with Reading Borough.

Caversham Lake. A plan has been submitted to use it for watersports. Credit: Google Maps

At a meeting in July, Reading Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously objected to it, 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.

Councillor Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham) said: “Whilst 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.

However, a decision on the plan was meant to be made by the target date of Thursday, August 11.

But that hasn’t happened, and the application is still ‘under consideration’ on the council’s planning portal.

Explaining the delay, 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.”

You can view the application typing in reference P22/S1691/FUL into the South Oxfordshire planning portal.

READ MORE: First plan for controversial Caversham Lakes water sports park refused permission

Caversham Lakes have not responded to a request for comment.

Its planning agent Paul Bedwell has argued  use of the lake has provided families with healthy activities and become an economically beneficial tourist destination.

Mr Bedwell added use of the lake is 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.