PLANS to bring wakeboarding to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park have been scrapped.

A proposal had been made for the Vale council to work with a commercial watersports operator to introduce cable-wakeboarding to the eastern lake as part of a programme of work to generate additional income and tourism opportunities for the country park. 

But Cllr John Thomas, leader of the council, has now decided to scrap the plan.

He said: “It was always my intention to review this proposal which I was never convinced was suitable for Cosmeston.

“There is an obvious need to safeguard the future of the Vale’s country parks through introducing appropriate new attractions and suitable commercial activities, but these must be just that – appropriate and suitable.

“We have an equally important responsibility to safeguard the park’s natural environment and after speaking with residents and consulting with the local elected members I remained far from convinced that wakeboarding was appropriate for Cosmeston.

“Ultimately the park belongs to the public that use it and it is their views that have prompted me to take the decision that the scheme should not progress.”

The proposed operator was informed of the council’s decision in December.

While there remains a planning application in progress for the scheme, the council as landowner at Cosmeston will not now be permitting any new facility to be built.

Cllr Kathryn McCaffer, local member for the Plymouth ward in Penarth, said: “I am delighted that the leader and my colleagues have come to this decision. 

“I have always maintained that wakeboarding was an inappropriate use in the context of Cosmeston Country Park. 

“Whilst I fully recognise that we need to encourage a wide range of activities and attractions, those must be in keeping with the special environmental qualities of the park.”

Conservative South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies called the decision a "victory for common sense"

Mr Davies said: “The plans for the wakeboarding facility at Cosmeston were inappropriate – and it is clear local people did not want them.

“I was approached by several constituents calling for them to be scrapped – and it would have been absurd to press ahead with them.

“I’m pleased that common sense has won out and the scheme will not go ahead – which I know will be welcomed by people across the local area."