Plans for a new skatepark in Penhill have been given the go-ahead despite objections

Central Swindon North Parish Council has been given the green light n to lay hard standing on the old bowling green in Inglesham Road in order to install skate ramps and half pipes that will be moved from the Oasis Leisure Centre.

The council’s application says the park is a crucial facility for young people in the area: “Skateboarding is a relatively inexpensive activity that requires little equipment, provided there is a facility.

“In addition, it is safer for young people to skateboard in a designated location than in the street. Skateparks are shown to improve the health and well-being of users and reduce social exclusion and improve self-esteem amongst users.”

The borough council’s planning officers agreed, giving consent saying the application is within ‘permitted development’ rules.

However, there were objections from people concerned that removing the ramps from the Oasis site was the ‘beginning of the end of the Oasis as a borough-wide leisure facility’.

One said: “The removal of this skate park at the Oasis will reduce the leisure offering at the Oasis. Removing the skate park at the Oasis just because a developer wants to cram apartments around the Oasis is not acceptable. The Oasis Leisure Centre was built as a complete sporting complex, including Skate Park, BMX Track etc.

“Do not approve this plan, you will kill off the Oasis.”

And some Penhill residents didn’t want the skate park either.

The Penhill Forum said: “The Penhill Forum is objecting in the strongest possible terms to the inclusion of the Skateboard Park on the site of the old Bowling Green at Penhill Park.

“We have had no sign that the community wanted a skate park nor is there any sign that children/youth are using skateboards. Any that are, are using them between school and home, not in their leisure time.

"We would also point out the close proximity of two other well-managed skateparks within easy walking distance at Merton Field and Haydon Wick.

“We believe that the area of the Bowling club Green should be kept for an activity likely to appeal to the whole family at any age. It will also serve well as an extension of the refurbished Clubhouse/pavilion for community activities."