## Council Leader Rebuts Opposition as Cosmeston Aqua Park Sparks Debate
A fierce row has erupted in the Vale of Glamorgan over the proposed opening of an inflatable aqua park at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, with the council leader dismissing critics’ concerns as “malicious tripe”. The development, set for the park’s eastern lake, has become a lightning rod for local environmental campaigners, igniting heated exchanges both online and at the lakeside.
On 14 June, hundreds gathered around the eastern lake, forming a human chain in protest at the water park plans. Demonstrators argue the summer-long trial—imported from Cardiff Bay—threatens vulnerable wildlife, increases traffic, and encourages dangerous swimming in a setting where it is usually banned. The country park, stretching across 100 acres, is home to a variety of animal species, including the endangered water vole and important populations of waterfowl. While only part of the wider park holds status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, many believe even the most minor disruption could be damaging.
The council’s leader, Liz Burnett, directly confronted critics following the demonstration. In a lengthy Facebook post responding to social media debate, Cllr Burnett decried much of the opposition as “rubbish” and labelled allegations of environmental neglect as spread by “disinformation”. Stressing her own commitment to Cosmeston’s well-being, she wrote: “There is a fair amount of rubbish being spread at present. Sadly, much appears to be deliberate, so I thought I’d provide some clarification.” Cllr Burnett also referenced a video she had posted of a young water vole appearing undisturbed near the site, suggesting local wildlife could withstand the activity.
Further to her comments, the council leader stated the proposal to host the aqua park was not a council initiative, but a response to an approach from outside operators, aimed at bolstering park funds. The exact figure expected for the park’s coffers remains unclear, though Cllr Burnett called the injection of “much needed income” a significant benefit. Feedback from younger residents, she claims, has also largely been supportive.
Questions have also arisen over the way the decision was made, with some critics alleging the plans were rushed through without proper scrutiny. Cllr Burnett firmly denied this, dubbing such accusations “malicious tripe”. She detailed a timeline that began with cabinet discussion in early March and subsequent scrutiny committee review, insisting full recordings of these meetings are freely accessible online.
The issue of nature conservation features heavily in opponents’ arguments. While Cllr Burnett maintains the chosen site represents only a small section of the lake—an area already accustomed to human and canine noise—protesters worry even a limited development could put vulnerable habitats at risk. The council, for its part, insists it has taken precautions: the company behind the aqua park must monitor water quality throughout, while the council’s environmental health team and Natural Resources Wales are both tasked with oversight, alongside third-party ecologists.
Nevertheless, skepticism remains amongst some local representatives. South Wales Central Member of the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, criticised Cllr Burnett’s remarks as “tone deaf”, claiming they showcased “a lack of understanding of residents’ genuine concerns”. Davies asserted, “It’s perfectly reasonable to raise concerns about nature and impacts on the environment and local community. There was no need for Cllr Burnett to lash out.” He further commented that engaging with campaigners respectfully would have been preferable.
Safety has also emerged as a focal point, with concerns over the precedent set for swimming in the lake. Cllr Burnett was quick to clarify: “only unsupervised swimming is not allowed”, indicating that organised, lifeguarded sessions could be manageable within park rules.
The debate is likely to continue as the eight-week trial, beginning 5 July, draws nearer. Both the council and the protestors are preparing for a busy summer at Cosmeston, with the issue symbolising the growing tensions between environmental stewardship and demands for leisure and revenue generation in public parks.
As the controversy intensifies, the future of the aqua park hangs in the balance. The local community and wildlife experts will be watching closely to determine whether economic incentives can truly co-exist with preservation efforts in one of the Vale’s most beloved green spaces.