Press Release from Suffolk Coastal District Council:
November 29, 2005 - 172/05
NEW PLANS FOR FELIXSTOWE SKATEBOARD PARK ROLL OUT
New plans have been unveiled for a skatepark in Felixstowe's Orwell Green which include additional measures to control noise to help resolve the fears of some local residents about the development.
Initial proposals, distributed around local homes at the start of the year, provoked some concerns about whether enough was being done to minimise noise and address related concerns. The project is being developed in partnership with Felixstowe Town Council, together with skateboarding groups and young people. The Council has also worked closely with the local police in developing the project.
"In January we asked for comments from people living around Orwell Green on the plans for providing this much-needed facility for the young people of Felixstowe. These new plans I think meet most of the concerns that were raised by some people," said Cllr Maggy Wilson, Cabinet Member for Community Well-being.
"The actual skating surface would now take up about 25% less space than before, and we are proposing some significant landscaping around it to minimise the noise.
"The challenge has been to balance the desire to keep noise and disturbance to a minimum while still providing a facility that is accessible and visible enough for young people to use safely. We think these plans meet that goal and I hope that local residents will recognise what great steps forward have been made," added Cllr Wilson.
The proposal is for a 20x30 metre skateboarding area that would be at below ground level, enclosed on two sides by landscaped bunds and surrounded by a footpath.
The bunds and the steps down to the skatepark would be designed deliberately to prevent them being used as an extension of the park itself. It is also intended to provide lighting, with maybe two and no more than four columns providing just enough light for the area until 8.30pm each evening.
It has been designed so it can be easily seen from Grange Farm Avenue so that skaters can feel safe that they are not completely out of sight. It is also part of Felixstowe's proposed legally designated zone to prevent alcohol being consumed there, with the police having the official powers to take action if the rules are broken.
"Our target is to submit a planning application next month (December) for these proposals when all those in the immediate area of Orwell Green will be formally consulted for their views. However, we have delivered a copy of the latest plans to local people and any of them who want to make their comments now can do so," added Cllr Wilson.
Anyone wanting to make comments on these latest proposals can write to the Community and Economic Services Team at Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU, or email community.economic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
