**Aqua Park Protesters Head to the Senedd as Tensions Rise over Cosmeston Lakes Development**
Plans to install an inflatable water park on a protected lake in south Wales have ignited significant public opposition, with campaigners preparing for a high-profile protest at the Senedd this week. The contentious proposal would see the Cardiff Bay Aqua Park relocated to the eastern lake at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park near Penarth. Scheduled to open for an eight-week summer trial beginning on 5 July, the initiative has divided local residents, environmental groups, and politicians alike.
Cosmeston Country Park, covering over 100 acres, is recognised for its exceptional biodiversity. It was officially designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2013, serving as a haven for various rare and endangered species, such as the critically imperilled water vole. The area’s tranquil atmosphere and ecological importance have made it a cherished green space for both the local community and visitors from further afield.
In response to the council’s approval of the water park trial, campaigners from the Save Cosmeston and the Vale group are intensifying their efforts, culminating in a demonstration outside the Welsh Parliament at 3pm on Wednesday, 25 June. This rally, organised just days before the Aqua Park’s planned launch, signals rising frustration amongst those who feel their voices—and a petition signed by over 7,000 people—have been overlooked by decision-makers. Organisers are also actively considering legal action, citing serious concerns over both environmental risks and public safety.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has defended its decision, suggesting a strong local desire for new leisure activities. It has touted the Aqua Park as a “great addition” to summer activity options at Cosmeston, pointing to council consultations indicating demand, particularly among younger residents. The council has further framed the initiative as complementing its wider efforts to encourage sustainable tourism and attract more visitors to the area’s natural assets.
However, critics fear the development’s consequences could be dire. Conservationists warn the park encroaches upon sensitive habitats, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, potentially endangering the park’s cherished wildlife. The lakes, once part of an industrial quarry, have long had a ban on swimming due to past safety hazards—a prohibition that activists say the council is now ignoring without transparent justification.
The scale of community opposition was recently demonstrated when more than 500 residents and families joined hands to form a symbolic human chain around the lake. Organisers described the event as a powerful show of solidarity that has drawn support well beyond the immediate neighbourhood.
Saar Lenaerts, a spokesperson for Save Cosmeston and the Vale, clarified that opponents are not against water parks per se, but object to this particular location. Lenaerts noted lingering doubts over the validity and transparency of environmental and safety assessments, which she claims were largely conducted by the operating company under the supervision of Natural Resources Wales, with little open consultation. Many of the campaigners, she added, are not immediate locals, challenging accusations of narrow self-interest or “NIMBYism.”
Further, the campaign group is now weighing up its legal options, having obtained pro bono legal counsel. A growing crowdfunder has offered financial support for possible court action, reflecting the strength of feeling within the community. Organisers are urging concerned citizens to join them at the Senedd on Wednesday, aiming to capture the attention of Members of the Senedd during a plenary session and to amplify their cause at a national level.
Meanwhile, representatives for the Aqua Park maintain that the new location in Cosmeston offers a safe, supervised, and exciting outdoor experience. Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, hailed the partnership with the council and insisted the project would enhance access to healthy recreation for families and young people. He anticipates that, if the summer trial succeeds, there may be potential to extend the attraction’s presence in future years.
Deputy Council Leader Bronwen Brooks echoed these sentiments, emphasising the park’s promise to boost leisure opportunities within the context of sustainable tourism. She highlighted that new activities could help generate income to support ongoing conservation and re-wilding projects within the Country Park.
As the opening date approaches, the future of the Aqua Park at Cosmeston remains uncertain. Protesters, environmentalists, and local officials are set to continue their debate both in the public arena and, increasingly, through potential legal corridors, as the struggle to balance recreation against conservation takes centre stage in the Vale of Glamorgan.