Decision due on skatepark

Monday 30th July 2007, 11:20AM BST.

Plans to build a £100,000 skatepark in Whitchurch are expected to be given the go-ahead this week despite residents fears over noise and security.

The park, which will feature five different structures, would be built at Jubilee Park and rival any similar facilities in the region, according to those behind the project.

North Shropshire District Council’s development control committee will consider the application at a meeting in Wem on Wednesday.

Next Generation Youth has now submitted a planning application after raising the £100,000 development costs through fundraising and £30,000 worth of Lottery funding.

But many residents have objected to the plans due to fears over noise and security.

Council bosses received 106 letters about the skatepark, with just one supporting the development. Despite this opposition planning officers believe the facility could reduce crime in the town.

A report to committee members said: “The majority of letters received have objected to the development on the basis of noise.

“This specialist equipment has been sought specifically to limit the noise level.

“Crime prevention is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and West Mercia Architectural Liaison Officer has been consulted on the application.”

Planners are recommending the plans be approved and if granted permission the skatepark would take about six weeks to build.

View more: North Shropshire news.