**Vale of Glamorgan Council Faces Scrutiny Over Water Park Email Correspondence**
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has come under mounting pressure to clarify its handling of communications with a private leisure operator regarding the proposed Aqua Park at Cosmeston Lakes. Calls for transparency intensified after a campaign group published a series of emails, obtained via a freedom of information request, revealing the depth of private discussions between council officials and the Aqua Park Group.
The group, Save Cosmeston and the Vale, secured the email trail earlier this month, sparking concern among both local councillors and residents who believe they were left out of significant early-stage discussions about the plan. The emails reveal that as early as January 2025, the council had engaged in detailed talks with Aqua Park Group about the possibility of establishing a water-based attraction at the popular country park. Among the topics discussed was a potential 15-year agreement for the site, a timespan that campaigners argue signals far-reaching ambitions for the project.
One particular message from a council officer to the company referenced an “agreement to move forward with you behind the scenes,” according to the released documents. This choice of wording has prompted criticism from some quarters, with detractors contending that it points to a lack of openness in the process and insufficient involvement of elected representatives and the public. Counsellors raised their concerns at a full council meeting on 14 July, with one stating that the authority had dealt with Penarth residents in a “shameful manner”.
Adding to the controversy, the emails suggest discussions took place about avoiding publicity before the cabinet made a final decision on the proposal. In a January communication, a council official emphasised that “it will be essential to avoid any sort of publicity about your move before the cabinet report is agreed,” feeding suspicions among critics that the process was unduly secretive.
However, Cllr Lis Burnett, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, has sought to reassure both residents and critics. She categorically stated there was no agreement to trial the water park prior to the matter being debated by the council’s cabinet in March 2025, nor did the council enter into a formal commercial arrangement until approval was granted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) several months later. She emphasised that the 15-year term was a suggestion originating exclusively from the Aqua Park Group, not from the council itself.
In a statement, a council spokesperson explained that ‘moving forward’ referred to the drafting of preliminary documents and preparations regarding essential operational factors, such as water quality testing. “If at any stage the cabinet or NRW had refused their approvals,” the spokesperson said, “all talks would have ceased.”
Despite these assurances, opposition councillors remain unconvinced by the council’s explanations. Cllr Anthony Ernest, representing the Plymouth ward, labelled the handling of the scheme “very badly managed.” Meanwhile, Cllr Ian Johnson, Plaid Cymru group leader, flagged “strong concerns” about the brevity of the consultation period between the project’s first public mention and its subsequent approval. Another Plymouth ward councillor, Rhys Thomas, argued that proper consultation with local residents was lacking, a failure he described as a significant oversight considering those most affected were not adequately involved.
The published correspondence also notes further potential activities under consideration, including paddleboarding, open water swimming, and pedalo hire. Payment mechanisms and potential revenues were identified as additional topics for negotiation, suggesting the discussions were far advanced before residents were alerted to the plans.
In defending the council’s approach, Cllr Burnett insisted that preliminary discussions are standard practice for any large-scale project, as council staff must assess proposals and prepare detailed documentation for formal scrutiny. She added: “It is normal for our officers to advise potential private partners against announcing plans prior to cabinet approval, in the interest of a fair democratic process. At no point has there been an attempt to hinder proper scrutiny.”
The Aqua Park pilot is set to run at Cosmeston Lakes throughout the summer of 2025. Once the trial period ends in September, the council has pledged to conduct a full evaluation before deciding if a more permanent contract should be offered for the attraction to operate in subsequent seasons.
As the evaluation approaches, both critics and supporters will continue to watch closely—keen to ensure the council’s decision-making process remains open and adheres to its stated principles of governance and public accountability. The controversy is a reminder of the delicate balance local authorities must strike between exploring opportunities for economic growth and maintaining the trust and involvement of their communities.