Sandown Town Council Moves To Protect Beloved Boating Lake

(c) Sandham Gardens

Sandown Town Council is taking steps to secure the future of the town’s much-loved Boating Lake, with plans to nominate it as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) – provided legal checks show no risk to the council.

The motion, led by Councillor Ian Boyd, was passed on Monday evening, alongside a proposal to extend the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) 262A to include the lake and its surrounding margins.

The moves come after months of dedicated work by local volunteers, who have been protecting the lake’s wildlife during periods of low water levels caused by dry weather.

Listing the Boating Lake as an ACV would mean that if the privately owned site is ever put up for sale, the community would have the opportunity to bid for it.

Meanwhile, SINC status highlights the area’s importance for wildlife and strengthens protection in planning and land management decisions.

Cllr Boyd praised the efforts of local volunteers, saying:

“The amazing work of Katrina, Natalie, and Luke, and the wider community over the past few months, has been spectacular.

"The evidence of community value is undeniable, fully documented, and this nomination will help protect the lake for the future.”

He added that ACV designation can help limit speculative development pressure and act as a magnet for funding, citing the example of Grafton Street Town Hall, which benefited from ACV recognition.

Not everyone was on board. Conservative councillor Ian Ward abstained on the votes, raising concerns over potential legal issues with the lake’s owner.

He explained:

“The owner has development plans and is concerned that an ACV could affect the value of his land.

"We need legal advice before moving forward.”

Cllr Boyd, however, said he believes there is no reason to block a community-led effort to recognise and protect the lake, given the current pressures from potential development.