“ The application sets out that the proposal is to provide the local community with a safe and inclusive environment to help them enjoy the outdoors. The activities on offer include water skiing, paddle boarding and open water swimming. As well as being open to the general public, the centre will cater for people with disabilities and local schools will be offered outdoor education programmes including sports afternoon and evening and weekend clubs. In addition, CJM state they offer the opportunity for elite athletes to gain experience in world ranking competitions and this is backed up in the letters of support received in response to the application.

Over time the lake has become disused, having originally been a site for mineral extraction, and the proposal would help to bring the site back into use in accordance with paragraph 120 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and in a way which will provide benefits for the local community. Paragraph 84 of the NPPF sets out that planning decisions should enable sustainable leisure development which respect the character of the countryside, and paragraph 92 sets out that planning decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which enable and support healthy lifestyles. Policy SL1 of the Runnymede 2030 Local Plan also set out that the Council will be supportive of development proposals which promote community facilities and take opportunities to assist people of all ages and backgrounds living, working and relaxing in Runnymede to lead healthy lifestyles and improve quality of life. It is considered that the development would meet these aims, and it is noted that numerous letters of support have been received with many of them highlighting the mental physical benefits of water skiing and outdoor sport in general. The application is also accompanied by a letter from British Water Ski & Wakeboard which lends its support to the proposal and highlights the demand for the sport within the area.”