Report by Local Democracy Reporter – Eddie Bisknell
Plans to install an inflatable obstacle course on a popular Derbyshire reservoir have been submitted.
The plans, submitted to Derbyshire Dales District Council, would see the inflatable obstacle course installed on Carsington Water, a popular reservoir near Wirksworth.
Aqua Park Carsington Ltd has submitted the plans, for the site owned and managed by Severn Trent Water, detailing that it would be a seasonal facility only, with a series of “modular” changing rooms and wetsuit storage buildings to be installed to accommodate it.
The firm, set up in July and is based in Lichfield, says the “aqua park” would provide 40 part-time jobs.
If approved, the facility plans to operate from May half-term to mid-September.
It writes in its application: “The proposals represent an enhancement of the current leisure and tourism offering around the reservoir and will increase the breadth of the outdoor recreation activities available to visitors to the site.
“The complementary operations, existing facilities and connectivity ensure minimal impact to the existing day to day activity at the reservoir.
“Whilst being located outside of the Peak District, it is recognised that there has long been a strategic objective by the council to promote tourism to take pressure off the Peak Park itself.
“These proposals would support that endeavour by boosting the existing recreational offering based at the reservoir.”
If approved, the aqua park would be installed close to the main visitor centre and car park and be removed in the winter months.
The application writes: “Historically, the water body hosted windsurfing and dinghy hire throughout the 1990s, expanding into stand-up paddleboarding during the 2010s – all operating in addition to the established sailing club activities, which are situated to the south of the reservoir.
“Recently, a new operator has taken over the water sports building. Operating under the name Carsington Waterside, the operator currently offers kayak and paddleboard hire, alongside cycle hire, with upcoming provisions for open-water swimming and plans to install an outdoor sauna.
“The proposed aqua park represents a natural evolution from these long-standing water-based activities and directly complements the recent capital investment into Carsington Waterside.”
The application says existing parking facilities are sufficient to accommodate the added business, with an average impact of 40 additional two-way vehicle trips.
It says six days of the year would be expected to see 250 users on the facility and 200 two-way trips.
A decision will be made by the district council in the next few months.
