Plans to open man-made lake near Bicester to swimmers, sailors and scuba divers revealed
Plans have been made to open up a man-made lake near Bicester to swimmers, sailors, and scuba divers.
Merton Lake, near Merton, Bicester, was dug in the 1990s amid mineral excavation for the M40 motorway and is subject to a “change of use” application to open it up for recreational activities submitted to Cherwell District Council.
According to plans (26/01931/F), the lake has “excellent” water quality and is “ideal for scuba diving” as it is 30m deep in places.
The proposal explains the planning applicants, Steve Glanfield and Mark Shearer, are “water sports fanatics and Steve Glanfield in particular has developed a 20- year career in open water swimming and other water based recreational facilities at Queenford Lake, just South of Oxford, which has an excellent safety record”.
The plans conclude: “The recent hot weather in the UK, which has resulted in a number of tragic deaths at private lakes and other waterbodies, has made it even more desirable to offer safe and controlled outdoor recreational and sporting activities which are designed for all age groups, including disabled and young children.”
The proposal lists possible recreational uses as including “open water swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing and scuba diving” and states that “essential buildings, storage, parking and access” would need to be built “in association with those range of uses”.
This would include a watersport centre to enable “public and local clubs to enjoy this currently underused facility through predominantly quiet, water-based activities”.
The clubhouse would be raised amid flood risk and have changing facilities, equipment storage, a community area serving snacks and drinks, and screened external showers according to plans.
A deck would offer an outdoor seating and viewing area overlooking the lake.
The plan said: “Access to the lake for dog walkers and spectators on a minimal annual fee club membership basis will also be welcomed as this is intended to become a fully integrated community facility for the wellbeing of all those that wish to participate.”
It states that currently the site is “entirely private land with no legal right of access for the public”.
The swimming area would be marked out with buoys and a “short timber floating jetty” with steps for swimmers is proposed.
A car park would have 37 spaces.
The lake is located next to the M40 in the Green Belt.
The plans say the developers believe the proposal would be “appropriate development” as a sport and recreational project, adding that this would be local plan and national planning policy compliant.
It adds that a wildflower meadow would be included in the landscaping.
A consultation is open on the Cherwell planning portal until October 1.