A controversial water park attraction won't be returning to Cosmeston Lakes this summer.
Vale of Glamorgan Council says it's recommending that Aqua Park should not return to the country park while an environmental assessment takes place.
There will be no new water activities during 2026, but the council says it will explore ''all opportunities'' for the lakes and the wider park.
The Aqua Park attraction moved from a site in nearby Cardiff Bay following concerns over water pollution.
According to a report, the inflatable course attracted around 16,000 visitors and generated an economic impact of nearly £1 million.
But the council's decision to run a pilot with the Aqua Park Group attracted widespread opposition locally - including a series of protests and threats of legal action from environmental campaigners, while over 7,500 people signed a petition.
The council maintains that the attraction had "no negative impact" on the environment after carrying out regular independent testing during the pilot.
Deputy leader Bronwen Brooks said: "Our beautiful country parks are for everyone, so we want them to be as inclusive as possible – offering different things for different people."
"With that in mind, we are keen to explore potential new uses for Cosmeston that could attract fresh visitors."
"Of course, it is vital that any new venture causes no damage to the delicate ecology of the park. That is why we are proposing 12 months of extensive testing, which can be used to monitor such an impact."
"The Aqua Park trial generated a significant amount of income, boosting the local economy. Such revenue can also help cover the cost of vital services at a time when the council continues to face financial challenges."
Aqua Park, which also runs sites at Lakeland in Essex and at Rutland, said around 40 jobs had been created locally - including 16 specially-trained lifeguards.
A report produced by a company monitoring the economic impact of tourism suggested visitors had spent around £645,000 in the area - and most of the economic impact (78%) was generated from outside the Vale of Glamorgan.
Another independent group gathered feedback, which suggested a "very high customer satisfaction" rating.
The council's cabinet is due to decide next week whether to accept the recommendations, which include further ecological assessments over the next 12 months - including bird breeding surveys and more tests on water quality.
Meanwhile, Welsh Conservative councillors in Penarth have welcomed the announcement.
In a joint statement, Plymouth ward councillors Anthony Earnest and Rhys Thomas along with town council by-election candidate Zak Weaver, said: "We are pleased there will be 'no new water activities at Cosmeston' in 2026, but there's still work to do, with the council not ruling out that the Aqua Park will return in the future."
"We need to keep up the pressure, and ensure the Labour-run Vale Council doesn't row back on this decision and bring the Aqua Park back at a later date.
They added: "We will keep speaking out against this and represent the views of local residents."
Bro Radio News has contacted the Aqua Park Group for a response.
Following the end of the pilot last September, Connor James, marketing manager for the Cosmeston Lakes site, said: "We're really pleased with how the summer trial has gone and thanks to the families, schools and organisations who have visited us for their support."
"We'd like to thank the Vale of Glamorgan Council for the opportunity to introduce this beautiful park and lake to so many new visitors who had never been to Cosmeston before coming to the Aqua Park."
"It's been great to see so many people enjoying the water and making the most of what Cosmeston has to offer as a family fun day out."
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