Aqua Park protesters to take their fight to the Senedd

Wales Online

23-06-2025

Aqua Park protesters to take their fight to the Senedd
'The views of 7,000 people who have signed a petition against the Aqua Park are being blatantly ignored'
Cosmeston Country Park is set to be the new location of an inflatable water park
(Image: Mark Lewis )
Opposition to a planned inflatable water park at a nature reserve in south Wales is intensifying, with campaigners set to take their fight to the Senedd this week. The controversial Cardiff Bay Aqua Park is due to relocate to the eastern lake at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, near Penarth, with a launch scheduled for Friday, July 5.
The trial attraction, which will run for eight weeks over the summer, has sparked fierce backlash from local residents, environmentalists and conservation groups who argue it poses a threat to both public safety and sensitive wildlife habitats. Cosmeston Country Park spans over 100 acres and is home to a range of rare species, including the critically endangered water vole.
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It was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2013 due to its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the Vale of Glamorgan's most tranquil and ecologically significant areas.
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A demonstration is planned outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay at 3pm on Wednesday, June 25, just ten days before the attraction's scheduled opening.
Organisers from the Save Cosmeston and the Vale campaign, part of the broader Vale Action Group, say they are now exploring legal options to halt the development.
Local councillors approved the temporary trial despite a petition opposing the project that gathered over 7,000 signatures.
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The Vale of Glamorgan Council has previously defended the decision, stating there is a "local appetite" for the Aqua Park and describing it as a potential "great addition" to the park's summer offerings.
Yet protesters disagreed, arguing that the installation will disrupt Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within the park and raise serious safety concerns. Swimming has long been banned in the lakes due to their industrial past as a quarry.
On June 14, over 500 people, including families with children formed a human chain around the lake in a symbolic act of protest. Organisers say this was a powerful display of community opposition that transcends local boundaries.
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Protesters gathered around the lake against the proposals
(Image: Mark Lewis )
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Saar Lenaerts, spokesperson for Save Cosmeston and the Vale, emphasised that the group is not fundamentally against the concept of an aqua park but believes Cosmeston is the wrong location.
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"We continue to passionately believe Cosmeston Lakes Country Park isn't the right place for this attraction. We are not against the Aqua Park in principle but its location. There are far more suitable and less dangerous places for it to be situated," Saar said.
"Swimming has been banned in Cosmeston lakes for years due to its past industrial use as a quarry. We simply cannot understand what has changed to suddenly to make it safe. We truly believe people's lives will be at risk."
Saar also criticised the adequacy of ecological and water safety testing, which she claims was conducted by the company itself under the supervision of Natural Resources Wales. The campaign alleges the process lacked transparency and proper public consultation.
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"Some people have accused us of being NIMBYS, of being selfish and not thinking of young people, even maliciousness. This is simply untrue." she added.
"Many of the protesters do not live in on Cosmeston's doorstep and the views of 7,000 people who have signed a petition against the Aqua Park are being blatantly ignored. The Vale of Glamorgan's responses have been divisive, dismissive, and derogatory."
Protestors have cited the diverse wildlife that inhabit the lake
(Image: Taite Johnson )
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The protest group says it has received pro bono legal guidance and is considering legal action as a last resort. A Crowdfunder campaign to support their efforts has received significant backing.
"I would encourage as many people as possible to join us outside the Senedd 3pm Wednesday to make some noise and voice our presence to Members of the Senedd who will be sitting in a plenary session that afternoon."
The Aqua Park was previously located in Cardiff Bay, but its operators were forced to find a new venue after concerns were raised over water quality. If the trial at Cosmeston proves successful, the company may seek to extend its licence beyond the summer.
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Meanwhile, environmental groups and campaigners continue to call for a re-evaluation of the decision, arguing that short-term entertainment should not come at the expense of long-term environmental protection.
Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, said the company was "thrilled" to bring the attention to Cosmeston in partnership with the council. In early June he said: "We're thrilled to bring Aqua Park Cardiff to Cosmeston Lakes by partnering with The Vale of Glamorgan Council.
'The Country Park is a fantastic venue for our exciting watersport experience, perfect for supervised adventure and family fun. With an exciting new course of obstacles, we can't wait to welcome visitors to our incredible new home.
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'We are also really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much-needed access to active outdoor experience, in a controlled and supervised environment to help boost their physical and mental well-being.'
Vale of Glamorgan councillor Bronwen Brooks - the deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable places - also previously defended the decision: "The Aqua Park will be another great addition to the already fantastic offer at Cosmeston Country Park as the Council continues to promote sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the area.
"Consultation with residents through the council's placemaking work has shown there is appetite locally - particularly among young people - for more varied leisure activities, and the re-introduction of water-based activities at Cosmeston will help us to ensure that our Country Parks are for everyone.
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"Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious council, and this pilot could also enable further income opportunities for our Country Parks – especially in supporting the re-wilding and conservation work already underway at Cosmeston."