Future of town's skatepark still hangs in balance (From Gazette & Herald)

Future of town's skatepark still hangs in balance

COUNCILLORS are to make a fact-finding visit to the controversial new skateboard park at Kirkbymoorside, it was agreed last night.

It follows a report to Ryedale District Council's planning committee when members were told there were allegations of a breach of planning control.

Gary Housden, the development control manager, said planning officers were to have talks with the Kirkbymoorside Play Association and the manufacturers of the skateboard park equipment.

Richard Gunton, the association chairman, said in a letter to the committee that it had taken action to reduce noise by improving the surface of the park, planting trees, and having sound insulation material fitted. In addition, the hedge around the park at Old Road was being allowed to grow higher.

Mr Housden said the park was on a playing field which had been bequeathed to the town in 1951.

He said the alleged breach concerned the construction of the playing surface and erection of the skateboard equipment without planning permission.

It was opened last October after a major fundraising campaign. The association is leasing the land from Kirkbymoorside Town Council but the association could not benefit from any permitted development rights.

Mr Housden said there had been three objections to the park development, but 22 letters of support.

The council's environmental health officer did not believe there was a statutory nuisance arising from the use of the park after taking noise level readings.

However, it was felt that there was the potential for "significant annoyance" to neighbours and it was suggested that the thickness of the riding surface should be increased, acoustic underlay put down to the ramps and the larger rides relocated.

Now, councillors are to have a site visit on a Saturday when the park will be in use, to see the situation for themselves, before making a decision on the issue at the committee's next meeting.

Updated: 14:15 Wednesday, January 19, 2005