White water course plans submitted
Manvers Lake & Dearne Valley TrustA project to open a white water course and rescue training centre has reached a significant planning milestone.
The developers of the scheme at Manvers Lake have now submitted their full planning application to Rotherham Council.
The Manvers Lake and Dearne Valley Trust completed pre-planning surveys last year for the facility, which will be used as a training base for firefighters and for recreation.
The project is expected to cost £14m and will provide elite watersports facilities as well as a regional base for water rescues.
Mark Benton, trustee, said: "Submitting the planning application is a hugely important step and reflects a great deal of work by our partners over the past year.
"This project has the potential to deliver lasting sporting, economic and community benefits for Rotherham and the wider region and we are excited to see it move into the next phase."
The Trust said its focus was on securing the funding while it awaits a decision on planning approval.
Representatives from the Trust and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service met with council leader Chris Read in December to outline the wider aims and objectives, current activities, and the potential benefits of the project.
Read said: "The council recognises the benefits of the Manvers White Water project. Such a facility would be beneficial both for training emergency responders and as a visitor attraction for Rotherham and South Yorkshire."
South Yorkshire's chief fire officer, Chris Kirby, said: "We are pleased to support the White Water Course project and to be working alongside the Trust as it progresses.
"The development presents opportunities for enhanced training, partnership working and wider community benefit, and we look forward to seeing the project move forward."
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