Campaigners ‘encouraged’ over plans for reservoir
A CAMPAIGN group that has fought for nearly two decades to save a Cardiff beauty spot has welcomed plans for a new visitor centre at the site.
The Reservoir Action Group (RAG) – in a campaign backed by the Echo – battled successfully against plans to build 324 homes at Llanishen Reservoir.
The controversial move, by then owners Western Power Distribution (WPD), was first unveiled in 2002, sparking local uproar.
But after WPD lost its bid it was bought first by Celsa, and then, in 2016, by Welsh Water, which has since worked to refill the two reservoirs on the site – Llanishen and Lisvane – in a bid to restore them to their former glory.
And yesterday, as reported in the Echo, Welsh Water unveiled plans for a new visitor centre along with facilities for sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and even electric picnic boats.
Richard Cowie, chairman of RAG, said: “We’re very encouraged by the plans that Welsh Water have submitted and we will look through them in detail to check that there is nothing that we’re concerned about.”
He added: “We have fought for nearly 20 years now to see the site protected as
a public amenity, and that’s basically what Welsh Water is planning to do [with it].”
Cardiff North MS Julie Morgan, who lent her support to the campaign over the years, echoed the sentiment.
She said: “It is wonderful to see Welsh Water’s inspiring vision for the future of Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs.
“The plans really will bring them back to their former glory.
“After campaigning for more than 15 years with RAG to save the reservoirs from being turned into land for housing, I am thrilled that the reservoirs will once again become a place for the whole community to enjoy.”
The new facilities will be built on the banks of the Lisvane reservoir while new slipways will be constructed to give access to the reservoir itself as well as the adjoining Llanishen reservoir.
Welsh Water is almost ready to submit a planning application in September this year, and is opening up the plans for public consultation before it does.
MP for Cardiff North Anna McMorrin said: “This is an exciting time and I would encourage local residents and community groups to have their say on the future of these plans in the heart of their community by contributing to the public consultation.”
■ To have your say on the plan visit dwrcymru.com/lisvaneandllanishen