Skate park may be pulled down (From Gazette & Herald)

Skate park may be pulled down

A TREMENDOUS uproar has been created in a Ryedale market town community after it emerged that its new skateboard park could be pulled down because it was built without planning consent.

Kirkbymoorside skate park, built by the Kirkbymoorside Play Area Association, was officially opened in November at the Old Road play area at a cost of £70,000, raised by Lottery and Ryedale District Council grants and cash from locals.

Following complaints about noise on the land, which is owned by Kirkbymoorside Town Council, district council investigations discovered that the park had been constructed without planning permission.

Now the site faces enforcement action, with several residents pushing for its complete removal.

Jim and Sandie Dowkes, of Old Road, wrote in a letter to planners: "The park is only 20 metres from our house. Unfortunately we can clearly hear all of the banging, rolling, shouting and screaming and, very often, swearing in every room of our house, and this is with the windows closed."

In a personal letter, town clerk Martin Brampton and his wife, Maureen, of Howe End, Kirkbymoorside, wrote: "In our view, it would be grossly unfair to argue that now the skate park is built it should stay put.

"We strongly urge that the skate park should be removed to a more appropriate site where both noise and behaviour problems can be accommodated more readily."

Environmental health officer Tony Stuttard visited the site and found it had introduced noise to the area, which could be found unacceptable to nearby residents, and measures should be taken to reduce it.

The district council has received numerous letters in support of the skate park, including from the community safety partnership, Safer Ryedale, and Kirkbymoorside Primary School.

Ryedale area commander, Inspector Neil Burnett, said the project had been "a resounding success" in reducing antisocial behaviour.

Paul Keys, of Dale End, Kirkbymoorside, wrote: "There is precious little entertainment for kids in rural towns. How much better to have them engaged in positive and energetic recreation than hanging round on the street."

Councillors will consider officers' recommendations to find ways to reduce the noise impact at a planning meeting on Tuesday. They will also visit the site before making a decision on enforcement.

Richard Gunton, chairman of Kirkbymoorside Play Areas Association, said the body was advised that planning permission was not necessary. He said: "We firmly believe that had the planning committee been in receipt of the plans and the facts in April last year, it would have approved the development."

Updated: 11:09 Friday, January 14, 2005