Water sports facilities justification and environmental considerations

The council's policy seeks to support ancillary facilities required in connection with water sports on our rivers, reservoirs, lakes and canals. These are important recreational resources and limited ancillary development is accepted as being necessary or desirable in some circumstances. Such facilities may include slipways, jetties, boat houses, toilet and changing facilities, parking areas and access. Such facilities can also result in new or increased usage. However, a balanced approach has to be struck and the council will carefully consider the potential impact of the proposed development, including built development and usage, on the existing environment to ensure that there is no significant adverse impact, including on amenity, wildlife, water quality and over-intensification of use. This is in accordance with the SPPS.