Oxford school seeks permission for rowing use of former quarry lake

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

St Edward's School, Oxford, has applied for planning permission to continue using Cresswell Lake, a former quarry near Yarnton off the A40 between Yarnton and Cassington, as a training base for its nationally recognised rowing programme. The independent boarding and day school has used the lake as a training venue since 2025.

The application, submitted by Worton Farms Limited, seeks to broaden the site's use beyond sailing to include a wider range of non-motorised water sports, including rowing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. The proposals include retrospective permission for a gravel car park, boat storage area and pontoon already installed, together with full planning permission for a new boathouse and storage building.

The lake is not open to the general public and is used primarily by St Edward's School, with pupils travelling to sessions by minibus several times a week. According to planning documents, the arrangement helps keep traffic levels low while reducing the need for students to make longer journeys to alternative rowing venues.

How it is being reported

• Oxford private school unveils rowing plans at former quarry lakeSt Edward’s School, Oxford, seeks planning permission to continue rowing at Cresswell Lake near Yarnton, with plans for a boathouse and wider water sports.Oxford Mail · 21 Oct, 16:00
• Oxford private school unveils rowing plans at former quarry lakeSt Edward’s School, Oxford, seeks planning permission to continue rowing at Cresswell Lake near Yarnton, with plans for a boathouse and wider water sports.Oxfordshire Guardian · 21 Oct, 16:00

In this story: St Edward's School, Oxford · Cresswell Lake · Yarnton · Cassington · Worton Farms Limited

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