Skate park threatened with closure in planning battle

The park, on playing fields in Kirkbymoorside, was built by the town's play area association following a long running campaign by parents and youngsters.

But Ryedale District Council has received a number of complaints from people living nearby about the noise from the park. They have called for it to be closed and moved to another location.

Council officials investigated their concerns and found that planning permission was never given.

Local authorities are allowed to carry out certain development without the need for planning permission.

But since the park was built by Kirkbymoorside Play Area Association, and not the town council, there is a dispute over whether or not planning permission is needed.

Ryedale District Council has received 22 letters in support of the park, and positive comments from the Safer Ryedale Partnership and Inspector Neil Burnett, the Ryedale District Commander.

He said: "As part of an early evaluation into the park at Kirkbymoorside, one of our community officers has revisited many of those who complained about young people in the town and has found that they unanimously agree that the problems have ceased. All state that their quality of life has improved."

But he warned that if the park was abused, or if anti-social behaviour increased, the police would recommend closure of the facility.

District councillors will decide the park's future at a planning meeting on Tuesday. Planning control manager Gary Housden said it would be difficult to justify removing the skate park because it was already in use.

He said: "While sensitivities to noise will vary, it is relevant that the skatepark is located on an existing equipped playing field which has been used by children for more than 50 years."

He has recommended that steps be taken to reduce the impact of the noise on people living nearby and that councillors carry out a site visit before making a final decision.