NEWS of a popular water sports venue 'dismantling' the site has prompted mixed news online, including calls to keep the facility despite no planning permission.

Caversham Lakes was set up in 2020 and has provided years of entertainment locally with its inflatable aqua park, swimming, paddleboarding, and other water-based activities.

However, it came to light that Caversham Lakes operator Cosmonaut Leisure opened the centre and put-up structures without the correct planning permission.

The owner of Caversham Lakes Martyn Edwards subsequently tried to gain retrospective consent for the venue from South Oxfordshire District Council in 2021 and 2022, which was refused on both occasions.

Mr Edwards also tried to appeal the decision, but this was dismissed on January 18, 2024, with South Oxfordshire Council then pursing enforcement action.

The main concern behind the refusal was over access to the lakes at the junction of Henley Road and Caversham Park Road which has allegedly seen numerous accidents and near misses over the last couple of years.

As previously reported, Mr Edwards responded to the most recent decision by saying: “The lake is not closing and we are taking this to the High Court!

“It is the only venue to offer and provide leisure to all abilities, backgrounds and socio-economic groups."

However, more recently several reports online suggest parts of the site appear to have been dismantled in recent weeks. The 400m buoys have reportedly gone as have the toilets, the marquee, and the leisure facilities.

The latest changes spotted at Caversham Lakes has prompted debates online, with many social media users expressing views for and against the council’s decision.

“Many people in the local area think the Lakes is a fantastic new addition,” said resident Stru Bertson.

“A place where local schools and scout groups go and have an amazing time, and a place that has enabled locals to get outdoors, swim, SUP, boost mental health, and socialise in what's been a horrible few years.”

In agreement, another user wrote: “Personally use the lake a lot for swimming. Instead of trying to close this down the councils should be trying to profit from it.

“Ridiculous to stand behind 'process' when the benefits massively outweigh the downsides.”

However, some agreed that building the facility without planning permission should warrant its closure.

One person wrote: “Why reward those who flout the rules? Sounds like a classic Tory business model - externalise the real costs of business onto everyone else.”

Another said: “If you or I put up structures without planning permission, we’d be forced to remove them at our own cost and receive fines. Why is it ok for them to do so?”

A planning enforcement notice was issued against Caversham Lakes in March last year calling for staff to end use of the site for recreational and water sport use, and remove all structures such as the office shack, portacabins and more from the site.

Caversham Lakes declined to comment further.