Skate park decision reviewed tomorrow (Friday)

COUNCILLORS are to look again at a decision to refuse permission to site a skate park at Portishead Lake Grounds.

North Somerset executive member for asset management, Councillor Tony Lake, signed off a decision earlier this month to refuse Portishead Skatepark Project (PSP) permission to put a new skate park on a section of land between the children's play area and the boathouse.

But his decision has now been called before North Somerset Council's community and corporate organisation policy and scrutiny panel and will be discussed by members on January 6.

The panel will look at the decision and can make recommendation and comments to Mr Lake and although it does not have the powers to overturn it, members could ask him to reconsider.

PSP chairman Tony Mosely said: "Representations will be made by members of PSP to the panel.

"Obviously we would rather Mr Lake had granted us permission to use the Lake Grounds, but this is part of the process we have to go through.

"We have to make sure that we have exhausted all avenues.

"This scrutiny panel meeting will be a good opportunity for PSP to put forward its plans once again to members and answer any questions they may have."

PSP, which already has planning permission for a skate park at the Lake Grounds, had asked the authority for a 25 year lease for the site on a peppercorn rent.

But council officers recommended refusal, saying the Lake Grounds is for the quiet enjoyment of all residents of the town and visitors.

They added that if the go ahead was given it could set a precedent for other groups wanting space at the beauty spot for activities.

The scrutiny panel is chaired by Portishead councillor David Pasley.

Mr Pasley said: "Members of the public can address the panel but need to provide a copy of what they intend to say and notice of their intention to speak in advance of the meeting.

"The panel cannot overturn the decision but can pass a recommendation or comments to the executive member."

If a recommendation is made to Mr Lake by the panel, he will then have to decide whether to stand by his decision.

He is expected to announce his final decision at the executive meeting in January.

Portishead Town Council has already set up a working party to look at potential sites for a 'wheels park' in Portishead.

PSP has been searching for a site for a new skate park for the last two years and initially identified 14 potential areas including land at Bristol Road, a plot next to Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Kilkenny Fields and the Lake Grounds.

Other sites, including one at Gordano School and one owned by a developer in the centre of Portishead have also been put forward as options.

A small skate park was opened at Merlin Park in 2003 at a cost of £12,500, but as the popularity of the sport has soared so has the need for a bigger facility