Skatepark at Douglas Park, Emmaus Road, Heysham

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a skatepark. A variety of low to medium height concrete ramps, street style features and obstacles are proposed on the existing MUGA surface. The facility is to accommodate users of all abilities, supporting skateboarding, BMX, scootering, roller skating and wheelchair motocross (WCMX). Concrete block seating is also proposed.”

“The application site is a former tarmac-surfaced multi-use games area (MUGA) located within Douglas Park, Heysham. There is a children’s playground to the north with residential properties beyond. To the south is the Heysham Primary Care Centre, to the west is Middleton Way and the Heysham Towers bus terminus, and to the east is the youth and community sports centres.”

“The site is designated as open space under Policy SC3 ('Douglas Park MUGA', youth play space typology) and forms part of the wider Douglas Park open space designation.The site is not recorded on Sport England’s playing pitches database.”

“A number of relevant applications relating to this site have previously been received by the Local Planning Authority. These include:”

“Application No. Proposal Status 19/01380/FUL Change of use of multi use games area (D2) to a car park in association with eye clinic (D1) and creation of a vehicular access point Withdrawn…”

“NPPF paragraph 104 states that existing open space, sport and recreational land, including formal play spaces, should not be built on unless one of criteria a-c is satisfied. Criterion c is where the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.”

“There would be not net loss in terms of play space youth typology, since a skatepark would have the same open space typology, albeit a different sub-typology. The replacement of the former MUGA with a skatepark is considered to meet NPPF paragraph 104 exception criterion c, and Policy DM27 exception criterion V, since alternative sports and recreation provision would be provided which would result in a betterment overall.”

“Consultee Responses Heysham Neighbourhood Council No response received. Sport England Comments. Non-statutory general planning advice provided. Lancashire County Council Highways No objection. Condition requested for a highway construction management plan. Lancashire Constabulary No response received.”

“Environmental Protection No response received. Conservation Team Comments. There would be no adverse heritage impact…”

“At the time of compiling this report, the following representations have been received: 0 letters of objection 1 letter of support 1 letter of neither objection nor support…”

“A summary of the general comments made include: • Something for young people to do and somewhere safe for them to go. • Nowhere in Heysham for young people. • Concerns regarding antisocial behaviour. • Concerns regarding devaluation of properties.”

“That the application be approved subject to the conditions in the Committee Report.”

“Upon being put to the vote, 15 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Time limit. 2. Development in accordance with Approved Plans.”