At a meeting of the Planning Committee last week, planning permission was granted for the refurbishment of water sports centre and lodges with additional 34 glamping pods, creation of kiosk and campervan parking.

Repurposing the existing water sports centre and three existing dormitory lodges will bring the water sports centre back into use. These existing buildings would continue to be used for purposes within the existing use class - ie: as the main water sports centre building and as dormitory lodges. The re-use of these buildings does not in itself require planning permission.

Councillor Robert Foster, chair of the Planning Committee, said: “These are exciting plans and following consideration we were pleased to approve the proposals. We look forward to things progressing in the coming months and ultimately seeing the Centre back in use.”

The 34 glamping pods will consist of four different types. There would be 20 single-storey one-bed pods, four single-storey two-bed pods, six L-shaped two-bed pods and four one and ½ storey three-bed pods. The pods would be finished in the same materials - zinc and timber cladding - and would all have pitched roofs.

Each pod would have its own parking space which would be composed of grasscrete.

The existing building to the east of the main water sports building would be repurposed into a kiosk.

There would also be 22 spaces allocated for caravans and campervans to park near the main building. A play area would be provided within the site and there would be an area of informal open space to the southwest of the main building.

The National Centre closed permanently after a review in 2020.