North Somerset Council Planning Officer Catherine Pearce's report which recommended approval with conditions. However when submitted to the NSC North Area Planning Committee, the councillors voted not to approve it.


NORTH AREA COMMITTEE
4 FEBRUARY 2010
5.1
ITEM NO: 1
APPLICATION NO: 09/P/1856/F
TARGET DATE: 22-DEC-2009
APPLICANTS NAME: Portishead Skatepark Project
APPLICATION: Construction of a public skatepark including fencing and landscaping
SITE ADDRESS: Land at Lake Grounds, Esplanade Road, Portishead, BS20 7HB
PARISH/WARD: Portishead Coast
WARD COUNCILLOR(S): Pasley
The following plan is for illustrative purposes only, and cannot be guaranteed to be up to date or to scale.
(missing, sorry)
LOCATION PLAN: (This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office c. Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. North Somerset Council, LA09063L,2001)

1. 09/P/1856/F CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC SKATEPARK INCLUDING FENCING AND LANDSCAPING ON LAND AT THE LAKE GROUNDS, ESPLANADE, PORTISHEAD
(GR 34633 17709) Catherine Pearce

REFERRED DELEGATED ITEM BY COUNCILLOR PASLEY



Site Description


The application site comprises a raised area of land adjacent to Esplanade Road lying between the Lake Ground Café and the Boat Shed. It forms part of the Lake Grounds Open Space, which is also designated in the local plan as an Amenity area and an Unregistered Historic Park & Garden. The application site measures approximately 40 metres long by 30 metres deep and is currently grassed. A metal bow top fence runs along the north-eastern and north-western boundaries of the site.

Relevant Planning History
Year..........Reference... Proposal.............................................. Decision
1987....... 2239/87......Construction of a bowling green............Approved with 5 year condition
1982....... 3106/82......Raise level of land between café and boathouse by approximately 2ft
Approved with 5 year condition

The Application


The proposed skate park will be roughly oval in shape, measuring approximately 20m by 30m. On the south-eastern corner there will be an area of play equipment for users aged 10 or over, to include a seating rail for spectators. Access into the skate park will be via a tarmac path from Esplanade Road. There will also be a pedestrian gate in the eastern boundary.

The detailed design of the skate park will consist of three sunken areas with various obstacles and ramps suitable for all types of wheeled users (e.g. skateboarders, bmx bikes, in-line skates and scooters. The raised items will be no higher than 0.5m above the existing ground level. The skate park will be constructed of in-situ sprayed concrete for the bowls and features. The skate park will be surrounded by a 1.2 metre high bow top metal fencing, to match the existing.

To the eastern edge of the skate park, a 1.5 metre high grassed bank will be provided (created using the dug-out material), to act as a visual and noise shield for the residential properties to the east and to provide informal seating for spectators. Extensive landscaping is proposed around the eastern side of the grassed bank to soften the proposals and all existing shrubs and trees will be retained.


Policy Framework


The site is located within the settlement boundary of Portishead.


Development Plan


North Somerset Replacement Local Plan (NSRLP)

Policy GDP/2 Environmental and public protection
Policy GDP/3 Promoting good design and sustainable construction
Policy ECH/1 Amenity Areas and gateways to settlements
Policy ECH/5 Historic Parks and Gardens
Policy CF/2 Cultural and Community facilities within settlement boundaries.


Consultations


Third Parties: 17 letters of objection have been received. The principal planning points made are as follows:

1. The proposed skate park would have a detrimental impact on amount of grassed recreational space and would adversely impact on the character of the Lake Grounds.
2. The skate park will act as a magnet for more teenagers after dark who will not be using the skate park, but will be carrying out anti-social behaviour.
3. The location of the skate park is not appropriate, in terms of the population it would serve. Other sites would be better suited.
4. Concern about the additional noise in what is a quiet tranquil area, which would be harmful to the amenities of nearby residents.
5. Concerns about potential drainage issues and flooding issues.
6. The development would not blend into the surrounding area.
7. There is not enough parking or access to public transport.

108 letters of support have been received. The principal planning points made are as follows:

1. There are few facilities in Portishead for the increasing number of older children, and therefore there is a genuine need for this facility.
2. This site is the most suitable site.
3. The proposed site is well located for young people to access it. The skate park would be used in connection with and compliment the other facilities at the lake grounds, such as the young children’s play areas, open space and toilets etc.
4. The lake grounds area is already policed regularly and the addition of a skate park will not cause additional burden to police resources.
5. The local community policing team support the proposals.
6. It will be unofficially supervised by all users of the lake grounds.
7. The proposed site is far enough away from homes to prevent noise being an issue to local residents.
8. The skate park is well designed and will be visually acceptable.

In addition, 349 standard response postcards (labelled as a petition on the website) have been received.

Portishead and North Weston Town Council: “Recommendation – No objections”.

Planning Issues


The principal planning issues in this case are (a) the principle of a skate park in this location; (b) The visual impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area; (c) The impacts on the living conditions of the surrounding residents; (d) crime and disorder issues; and (e) Other issues.

Issue 1: The principle of a skate park in this location

The application site lies within the settlement boundary of Portishead. Policy CF/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan allows for cultural and community facilities within settlement boundaries, and states that consideration should be had to the possibility of site sharing with existing facilities, and that proposals are in accessible and sustainable locations. No objection is raised therefore in principle of a skate park in this location, however, careful consideration should be given to the proposed development in terms of its impact on the character and appearance of the area, and its impact on nearby residents in terms of noise and disturbance.

Issue 2: The visual impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area

Policy ECH/1 states that planning permission should not be granted for new development that unacceptably harms the amenity of open space of public value (defined as amenity areas on the proposals maps). The proposed skate park will provide an additional facility within an existing defined amenity area. Whilst the skate park will reduce the overall amount of open grass within the fenced area the overall use remains that of amenity, albeit with the introduction of a new activity. The proposed skate park has been sensitively designed and landscaped and is well integrated with its surroundings. The sunken nature of the concrete bowls, and minimal height of the raised items reduces the visibility of the development and combined with suitable planting, and the retention of the existing planting the impact of the skate park on its surroundings will not be significant. It is considered that the proposed development will not detract from the appearance of the surrounding amenity area, and is in accordance with policy ECH/1 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

Policy ECH/5 states that development likely to affect a Historic Park or Garden, or its setting will only be permitted when: its historic character and appearance will not be unacceptably harmed. The site of the application, was created with the spoil from the creation of the Bowling Green in the 1980’s, therefore there is little potential for archaeological remains or any specific features of historic interest to be adversely affected. The character of this particular space will inevitably change with the introduction of a new skate park. However, this should be seen in the context of an established play space within the Lake Grounds and is considered to be preferable to spreading facilities elsewhere in the park where its quiet enjoyment could be more significantly affected. The proposed development is therefore considered to be acceptable in terms of policy ECH/5 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

It is therefore considered that the proposals comply with policies GDP/3, ECH/1 and ECH/5 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

Issue 3: Impact on living conditions of the surrounding residents

Policy GDP/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan sets out that development which would result in harm to amenity will only be permitted if the potential adverse effects could be mitigated to an acceptable level by other control regimes or by measures included in the proposals or by planning conditions.

The closest residential properties are approximately 100 metres to the south-west on Beach Road West.

The proposed skate park, which will be mostly dug into the ground will not affect any of the neighbouring properties in terms of loss of light, privacy or have an overbearing impact, in accordance with policies GDP/2 and GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

Sound tests have been undertaken by the Environmental Protection Team on behalf of the applicants in July 2009 (as outlined in the Design & Access Statement). The results of these tests showed that noise from the use of the skate park would be unlikely to have a significant impact on residential properties, when considered in connection with the daytime background noise from the existing play facilities and traffic on Esplanade Road. In addition, the use of ‘quiet’ concrete is generally considered to be the quietest surface with the least acoustic resonance. It is therefore considered that the proposal would not have a significant adverse effect on the living conditions of the neighbouring residential properties by way of noise and disturbance, in accordance with policy GDP/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

Issue 4: Crime and disorder issues

Concerns have been expressed by the Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor, in that the proposed skate park will exacerbate the existing anti-social behaviour (ASB) problems that are currently experienced within the Lake Grounds area.

Although it is acknowledged that each park should be considered on its own merits, the police point out that in the majority of other skate parks within the Avon and Somerset Force area, the introduction of a skate park has acted as a magnet, increasing the number of youths in the area. It has been found that during darkness, when the skate parks use ceases, the skate park can become a gathering point for youths to loiter and commit ASB offences. Where there has been anti-social behaviour before, the introduction of a skate park can increase these problems.

Whilst there is scope for adequate surveillance during the day from the users of the park and Esplanade Road, the main concern relates to the lack of night-time natural surveillance or lack of a ‘capable guardian’ (either in the form of CCTV or a suitable authority / adult – other than polices officers). It is therefore the concern of the Police that the addition of a skate park in the lake grounds would increase ASB at night and place further demand on police resources.

There are a few examples of ‘successful’ skate parks in terms of ASB issues, such as Scotch Horn Millennium Park. This is due to the Monitored CCTV (by NSC), a constant flow of vehicular traffic using the Tesco’s store and pedestrians regularly passing as they walk through the park, even up to the early hours of the morning.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 makes it clear that it is the responsibility of the Local Authority, Police and others to ensure that where an issue is highlighted, they should do all that they reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder. Planning Policy Statement 1 is clear that crime prevention can be a material consideration. Policy GDP/3 of the local plan seeks to ensure that account is taken of the opportunity to reduce crime through the design of new development.

The applicants have had extensive discussions with the Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor to look at possible solutions to this issue. One solution would be to provide a security fence, which could be gated and locked at dusk. However, it is considered that this would not be a visually acceptable option within the lake grounds.

The applicants and Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor have agreed a set of measures, based on other successful skate parks that have avoided such ASB issues.

The first is that a monitored CCTV camera linked into the NSC System, (with infra red capability) in agreement with the Councils CCTV Control and the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Crime Prevention Design Advisor should be installed prior to the skate park opening.

The second is that a Management Plan is entered into by the Skate Park Group, the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and other relevant parties / user groups as necessary. This management plan will include an agreement on the following topics and principles:
Skate Park Committee to participate in wider ASB issues before the opening of the park.
Continued participation with ASB issues in partnership with others. (Police, council, youth group etc)
Events to encourage youth inclusion.
Ongoing maintenance, clear-up etc
Appropriate signage.
Should an escalation of issues occur - agreed time periods of intervention.

On the basis of these measures, the Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor has withdrawn the original objections to the proposal.

It is therefore considered that the proposed skate park includes elements to reduce opportunities for crime, in accordance with policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

Issue 5: Other Issues

The site is in a central location, and is close proximity to parking. The highways engineer has raised no objection to the proposals in terms of levels of parking or highway safety, in accordance with policies T/6 and T/10 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

In terms of drainage, there will be no foul sewerage required at the site. The basic proposals to drain the surface water from the skate park into the lake are considered to be acceptable in principle, in accordance with policy GDP/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan. A condition is proposed to ensure that the details are submitted for approval, prior to the commencement of development.

Conclusion and Summary of Reasons for Approval



The construction of a skate park will provide a community facility, in accordance with policy CF/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan. The proposals will not unacceptably harm the visual character and appearance of the amenity space, and unregistered historic park and garden in accordance with policies ECH/1 and ECH/5 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan. The design of the proposals will reduce the opportunities for crime, in accordance with policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE subject to the following conditions:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: In accordance with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. No development shall take place until details of a landscaping scheme have been submitted to and approved, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure that a satisfactory landscaping scheme is prepared and in accordance with Policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

3. All works comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out during the months of October to March inclusive following occupation of the buildings or completion of the development, whichever is the sooner.

Reason: To ensure that the approved landscaping scheme/s are implemented and in accordance with Policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

4. Trees, hedges and plants shown in the landscaping scheme to be retained or planted which, during the development works or a period of ten years following full implementation of the landscaping scheme, are removed without prior written consent from the Local Planning Authority or die, become seriously diseased or are damaged, shall be replaced in the first available planting season with others of such species and size as the Authority may specify.

Reason: To ensure as far as possible that the landscaping scheme is fully effective and in accordance with Policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

5. No development shall be commenced until drainage details have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. Such works shall be carried out concurrently with the development to a programme to be agreed and approved, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure that the development is served by a satisfactory system of foul and surface water drainage and in accordance with Policy GDP/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

6. No external means of illumination shall be used on the site unless details of the lighting have first been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interest of visual amenity and to protect the amenities of the neighbouring residential properties, in accordance with policies GDP/2 and GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

7. The use hereby permitted shall not be commenced until a monitored CCTV camera linked into the NSC System, (with infra red capability) has been installed and is operational, in agreement with the Councils CCTV Control and the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Crime Prevention Design Advisor. The camera shall thereafter be retained and maintained in accordance with the approved details, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To reduce the risks of crime and to protect users of the skate park and in accordance with Policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

8. Prior to the commencement of the use hereby approved, a management plan between the skate park user group and the Avon and Somerset Constabulary (and involving any other designated bodies as appropriate) which sets out measures to mitigate and reduce crime related issues on the site, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved plan shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and shall be made available for monitoring purposes by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interests of reducing the risks of crime and disorder to protect users of the skate park and in accordance with Policy GDP/3 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan.

 

Detailed design

Please click on image below to enlarge and then zoom in for more detail.

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The project's Design and Access statement September 2009

This report has been prepared to accompany the submission of a planning application for the development of a skatepark at the Lake Grounds in Portishead. Click here to view the Planning Application Form (it may take a few minutes to load as it is a large file).

See "How to support" for details on how to contact the council.

1. Summary and conclusion

The Portishead Skatepark Project (PSP) are seeking planning consent for the development of a free-to-use community skatepark suitable for a range of abilities and wheel sports on an area of land within the extended play area at Portishead Lake Grounds. The report considers a range of issues including site selection, landscaping, impact on other users of the Lake Grounds, impacts on residents, benefits to users, and wider benefits to the town, and concludes that the new facility will have minimal impact on either residents or visitors and will bring many benefits including improved community cohesion and better health for young people.

2. Background

Portishead Town Council set up a Skatepark Working Group in July 2006 to investigate the need for a new skatepark in the town. In October with the agreement of the Town Council the group became an independent community group under the banner of the Portishead Skatepark Project (PSP). Two town councillors were appointed to the project management committee and at least one has attended on a regular basis.

p;The project organises the Skatepark User Group who are actively involved in the project and three users sit on the management committee. The committee have actively campaigned for the new skatepark for the past three years making regular presentations to the Town Council, conducting extensive public consultations, organising fundraising events, conducting an exhaustive search for suitable locations, and engaging in lengthy discussions with officers from the Streets and Open Spaces, Children and Young People, and Planning Departments at North Somerset Council. Finally in May 2009 a decision was reached in conjunction with the North Somerset Council to submit a planning application on a site at the Lake Grounds.

3. The proposed development

The PSP are proposing to develop a concrete skatepark largely sunk into the raised area of land adjacent to the boat house on the lake Grounds in Portishead. The design will consist of three sunken areas with various obstacles and ramps suitable for bmx bikes, in-line skates, skateboards, and scooters.

aerA plan of the proposed facility showing the operational area, adjoining small 10+ play area, banking, landscaping, fencing, and access gates is shown above. Extensive research into skateparks in the UK and abroad was undertaken including visits to more than 50 skateparks around the UK. This together with published criteria from RoSPA and the British Standards Institute led to the following design criteria for the park:

The specific layout of the concrete bowls and ramps are indicative of the final design but may change prior to construction in light of more detailed consultation with users and constraints identified at the construction stage. The overall footprint and the banking and landscaping details are intended to be the final design subject to any changes resulting from the planning process.

For more images of the proposed skatepark and location map see Design page

3.1. Size of proposed facility.

The operational area of the skatepark will be approximately 30m x 20m in extent and will utilise about 15% of the fenced area which includes the childrenÕs play area. This is similar in size to other facilities in North Somerset. A graphic showing the proposed skatepark with the footprint of Nailsea and Clevedon skateparks superimposed is shown right.

3.2. Choice of location

The PSP has been searching for an appropriate site for more than two years. In all some 16 locations have been investigated. After extensive consultation followed by negotiation and discussion with councillors and officers of North Somerset Council it was agreed that a planning application should be submitted on the proposed site.

The initial consultation carried out in 2006 identified two sites, at Parish Wharf and at the Lake Grounds, as the most popular. The site at the Parish Wharf Leisure Centre was rejected on advice from North Somerset Council Environmental Health Department who expressed concern that noise could pose a significant problem. New harbourside developments were being erected which would be no more than 50m from the proposed site with little opportunity for noise reduction measures.

A detailed account of the location search process is contained in Appendix A and Appendix B.

3.3 Consultation

Extensive consultation has been held at every stage of the project and a project website, www.portisheadsk8.org.uk has been developed to provide up-to-date information on the progress of the project.

Schools pet

A survey of all Portishead schools was carried out in November 2006 at the start of the project to find out how many people might use the park and what they would ride if they did. 655 survey forms were returned and the results were encouraging: 430 young people would use the park of whom two thirds are boys and one third girls. Nearly half said they would use it at least once a week. Around half of respondents were aged 10-13, a third were aged 5-9 and just under a fifth were 14 or over. Over 80% said they would use bikes, half would use scooters, and about a third would use either skateboards or in-line skates.

Public first

A public consultation was carried out during the winter of 2006/2007. People were asked for their views on five potential locations including Parish Wharf, Lake Grounds, Kilkenny Fields, land at Bristol Road, and in the new Village Quarter.

A face to face consultation was carried out at at the Victorian evening in December 2006 when 350 responses were obtained. 2000 leaflets were distributed covering every area in the town and 400 returns were received. 50 responses were received from an article in the local papers. In all more than 800 responses were received.

94% of respondents supported the proposal for a new skatepark. Of the five locations 46% preferred the Parish Wharf location and 33% the Lake Grounds; less than 20% preferred any of the the other three sites.

As well as the numeric information people were invited to make comments. 143 comments were received of which 21 expressed specific opposition to the Lake Grounds.

Most recently, following the decision to proceed with a planning application for the Lake Grounds location, a public exhibition was held at the Folk Hall where the plans for the skatepark were put on display from 2pm to 8pm on 9th June. 120 people attended during the day and 67 left comments on the sheets provided. Of these 46 supported the skatepark in the proposed location while 18 supported it but wanted it aopt another location. Specific concerns raised included the level of anti-social behaviour, noise, spoiling the Lake Grounds, loss of play area, and impact on wildfowl. There was also a verbal concern expressed concerning loss of wind to model sailing boats.

The conclusions from these consultations were that overall support for a new skatepark was very strong and that there is good support for locating it at the Lake Grounds. However a small number of people object to the Lake Grounds location; the primary reason for this appearing to be a concern about increased anti-social behaviour.

Neighbours se

On August 8th 2009 an on-site consultation was held for the immediate neighbours of the site. 270 leaflets were hand delivered to houses that in some way overlooked the site. This included houses in Lake Road (all), Rodmoor Road (all), Beach Road West (all), Beach Hill (all), Battery Lane (all), Woodhill Road (west side only), and Nore Road (north side only between Beach Hill and Battery Road).

The footprint of the proposed facility was pegged out and the height and line of the banking was delineated with posts.

45 people attended the event including five town councillors. About half the attendees supported the proposal while the other half were opposed in some respect. A local Police Community Support Officer attended the event and was able to reassure some people about the steps the police have taken to reduce alcohol use at the Lake Grounds and one attendee remarked that the area had been much quieter this year.

Attendees were generally pleased to see that the design had been changed in response to the earlier consultation at the Folk Hall.

No new issues were raised and again the main concern of those opposed to the proposal was the fear of increased anti-social behaviour.

The Town Council tc

The Town Council have been kept informed about the project on a regular basis. More specifically a visit for councillors to view a similar skatepark at Chepstow was organised in May 2009. This skatepark is a similar construction to the one proposed. Three councillors and a local resident who lives in the closest property took the opportunity to visit the facility with members of the project committee and the project designer.

Police

The local police have been involved in the project from the start being on the steering group and assisting with provision of temporary skate ramps. In September 2008 Sgt. Scoble stated,

'The police in Portishead fully support the proposals made so far by Portishead Skatepark Project. As part of our community policing we are in touch with young people in the town aaevery day and a large percentage of the youth has a keen interest in skateboarding and BMXing. We support any youth activity and understand the frustrations the young people are experiencing over PSP. We have taken the step of joining the project and hope to make a positive contribution. A few members of the public have expressed concerns about anti social behaviour occurring wherever the park goes but we have no evidence at all to suggest a project like this encourages such behaviour.'

In May 2009, in response to the selection of the Lake Grounds location, Sgt. Lee Ashdown said,

'The local Neighbourhood Policing Team and I fully support the efforts of the Skate Park Project to find a location for the construction of this worth while scheme and consider that the Lake Grounds is the best option available to them at this time. We fully endorse the scheme for giving the youth of Portishead a central location to meet and carry out healthy activities which they have been asking to have for some time and divert them from anti-social behaviour or petty crime'.

Other

The positive public attitude towards the project has also been shown by the level of support for the various fund-raising initiatives undertaken over the past three years. More than £6000 has been raised from a prize draw, concert, tombola stalls, sponsored swims and sponsored runs. The Portishead Rotary have given major support to the project as have more than 61 shops and businesses as well as Portishead Youth Club, North Somerset Business Club, the Methodist Church, and Gordano School.

3.4. Operation

In order to minimise construction and maintenance costs the skatepark will be unlit and unlocked so will be available during daylight hours only and many skateparks visited by the project operate like this. It will be unsupervised and will rely on informal supervision of passers by and other users of the Lake Grounds facilities. The Lake Grounds is well used throughout the day by adults and children engaging in a wide range of formal and informal activities which will ensure a high level of informal supervision.

4. Council planning policies

The proposal has been tested against the following Council planning policies contained within the Local Plan:

4.1 Policy CF/2 Cultural and Community facilities within settlement boundaries.

jlThe need for a new centrally located skatepark has been demonstrated by the Town Council in setting up a working group in 2006 in response to representations from users. This has been reinforced by the results of extensive public consultation at the end of 2006 in which 94% of over 800 respondents supported the establishment of a new skatepark facility. 600 responses were received from a schools survey indicating more than 400 young people would use the skatepark at varying frequencies.

At present there are some problems with skateboarders using inappropriate locations such as High Down School and the Marina.

kjAn existing small skatepark exists at Merlin Park in the upper area of the town. This is a small facility and not centrally located so is unable to satisfy the demand.

The proposed site is centrally located in the town and is accessible by foot or wheels. 75% of the population of the town live within a one mile radius. It is within the town's main central public park.

The nearest bus stop is 350m from the location. It is anticipated that most users will come to the site under their own power either on their wheels or by foot. The facility will be designed to enable access and use by sports wheelchair users.

It is recognised that there is a lack of outdoor play facilities for teenagers at the Lake Grounds so the proposal includes some equipment in the 10+ play area attractive to the age group which might wish to watch others using the skatepark.

The site is readily accessible by emergency vehicles and the police.

4.2 Policy ECH/1 Amenity areas and gateways to settlements

The proposed skatepark will provide an additional public amenity within an existing public park. The hard surfaced operational area of the proposed skatepark will take about 15% of the total enclosed play area and around 3% of the level open grass space at the Lake Grounds including the cricket field. It will be about half the size of the existing tennis courts and about one sixth the size of the bowling greens. The skatepark will reduce the open grass area within the fenced play area but there will be a net amenity benefit in providing a new activity that will be used by a large number of young people.

4.3 Policy ECH/5 Historic parks and gardens.

The Lake Grounds is an unregistered historic park or garden and it is therefore important that any new facilities placed there do not detract from this designation and if possible enhance the landscape value of the park.

The proposed site of the new skatepark is relatively new in form having been created in 1987 by dumping the excavated spoil from the second bowling green. There are no archaeological records for the area.

The facility will be sunk into the contours of the area with a few raised items no more than 50cm above existing ground level. A grassed bank approximately 1.5m in height will be raised at the lower end of the site to provide a visual and noise shield for residential properties along the adjacent roads. The bank will also provide an informal seating area for spectators. The bank will be outside the barrier fencing of the skatepark and so will be available to other users of the play area for sitting and playing on.

Extensive landscaping will be applied around the area to soften its impact and to shield it from residential properties. All the existing trees and shrubs will be retained. The rounded shapes of the various bowls that comprise the skatepark will be aesthetically attractive in their own right and will complement the natural forms within the current landscape.

4.4 Policy GDP/2 Environmental and public protection

The skatepark could potentially harm the amenity of the area by being visually unattractive and out of keeping with the park and by causing noise which is a nuisance to local residents or visitors. The first aspect is dealt with in section 4.3 above.

Noise emanating from a skate park is determined by a number of factors: the type of surface used for the ramps and jumps, the type of surface the ramps and jumps are installed upon, the topography of the skatepark i.e. whether it is above or below ground level, the height and weight of the rider, the type of board used, and the type of wheels on the skateboard. Some noise will also be generated by skaters and spectators communicating with each other.

A number of studies have compared different types of skatepark and concrete is generally regarded as the quietest surface with the least acoustic resonance particularly when it is installed as a seamless facility without any change of riding surface between the level area and the jumps.

A recent survey by another district council into the proximity of concrete skate park facilities to residential properties looked at seven concrete skateparks around the country, located between 40m and 100m from the nearest residential property. The survey revealed that no noise complaints had been received. ( see: http://www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/Home/Councillors and Committees/Agenda and Reports/Services/2008-09/2008-06-10/2008-06-10 Skateboard Reportgal.pdf )

There are a number of skateparks in North Somerset with a variety of construction methods and varying distances from residential properties. Enquiries to the Environmental Health Department reveal that no formal complaints have been received regarding noise at any of these facilities. The type, size, and location of the skateparks is detailed below with the current proposal for comparison:

no

Noise test

With the assistance of an Environmental Health officer from North Somerset Council a test was carried out between 7.00 and 8.00 pm on a still evening on 1 July 2009 to assess the likely noise levels from the skatepark. Noise measurements were made at the nearest house to the rear of the cafe car park (marked a) and at a location on Lake Road near the cricket pavilion (marked b) on view below.

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A grind box was set up next to the cross path on the raised play area. This is about 25 metres closer to the houses than the edge of the proposed skatepark.

Four skateboarders and one in-line skater performed a number of manoeuvres over a period of one hour while measurements were taken. Significant background noise was measurable arising from from the play area and other users of the Lake Grounds and from cars passing along Lake Road as well as bird song. At the cafe location the noise from the skaters was generally less than the background noise with an occasional audible noise from skateboards hitting the tarmac. The in-line skater was essentially inaudible.

It was difficult to hear any noise from the pavilion location which is much further away with considerable screening from trees.

noiIn windier conditions there would be a significant contribution to background noise from trees and from the sea.

There were several families using the play area and surrounding grass area while the test was under way and there was no obvious negative reaction to the presence of the skateboarders.

It was generally felt that the noise levels would not cause inconvenience to residents or visitors and that the provision of banking and additional landscaping, while not being essential, would further reduce noise levels.

4.5 Policy GDP/3 Promoting good design and sustainable construction

The design has been developed to minimise the impact of the skatepark on the Lake Grounds. It is using in-situ sprayed concrete to construct sunken bowls rather than the surface mounted frames used elsewhere in the district. With the addition of a grass bank on the eastern side of the area and extensive additional landscaping the skatepark will be largely invisible to residents and users of the Lake Grounds.

The smooth flowing shapes of the skatepark will make it intrinsically attractive.

The operational area will be fenced using the same style of bow-topped fencing as is used around the area at present in order to blend the new facility into the existing space.

oThe choice of trees and shrubs for the landscaped areas will match existing provision where possible and will make use of native plants to maximise the wildlife benefit. The siting of the skatepark has been chosen to avoid the removal of any existing trees or shrubs.

The main access to the facility will be off the promenade to separate skatepark users from other users of the play area. Additional picnic tables will be provided close to the facility for families using the skatepark.

The skatepark is sited close to Esplanade Road with uninterrupted views to allow casual supervision by passers by and visibility for the police when driving past. Landscaping along Esplanade Road has been reduced in the final plans in response to concerns expressed at consultation regarding anti-social behaviour. The siting also provides easy access for emergency vehicles.

The design of the skatepark includes ramps and jumps with a range of difficulty to ensure that the facility is suited to users of all ages from young scooter riders up to adults. It will also be accessible to sports wheelchair users.

No shelters have been provided because of concerns about anti-social gatherings. Skateparks are not used in poor weather conditions because the slopes become too slippery. Shade is available close to the skatepark under nearby trees.

The Project hoped to be able to incorporate the aspirations of the Town and District Councils for additional play equipment within the overall design in order to demonstrate that the skatepark would fit well with other planned developments. A play initiative is underway within North Somerset Council and there are funds from both the District and Town Councils for improvements to the play facilities at the Lake Grounds. However officers and councillors have stated that it is not an appropriate time to discuss these in the context of the skatepark until the planning application has been approved. In light of this the design has incorporated a small play facility for older children who visit the skatepark but do not wish to skate.

The siting of the skatepark has been chosen to minimise the loss of green space and leave the maximum amount of space for other users of the area. The design proposes the re-siting of the existing concrete picnic table to free up more open space for informal games.

The Portishead Tourism Group have expressed a wish to see a bandstand on the Lake Grounds and have indicated that they would want it in a similar location to the skatepark. However this area is designated as play space so would not be suitable for a facility which requires space for a seated audience. Given that the bandstand would be about 7m in diameter there should be little difficulty in finding another space for it; a suitable area is available below Beach Road West which has the advantage of being protected from the wind and provides a natural amphitheatre.

No lighting is planned for the facility so after construction the facility will consume no energy apart from occasional maintenance. It is anticipated that most users will travel to the site on foot or on their wheels so energy from transport use should be low. Providing a good facility within Portishead will avoid many out of town journeys by users going to other towns to enjoy their sport. As far as possible local contractors will be used for the construction phase to minimise energy use.

Appendix A.

Search for a suitable location

An initial search identified five potential locations which were used as the basis for an extensive consultation at the end of 2006. The sites were Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Lake Grounds, Kilkenny Fields, land at Trinity School in the Village Quarter, and Portishead Football Club. The consultation identified the Parish Wharf and Lake Grounds as the preferred locations. Initial discussions with North Somerset Council suggested the Parish Wharf site would be suitable but this was subsequently ruled out as being too close (around 50m) from the new dockside properties then being constructed.

A number of Town Councillors questioned the decision about the Parish Wharf site and expressed opposition to locating the park at the Lake Grounds so a further search was carried out to identify suitable locations. 14 locations were assessed against a range of criteria for successful skateparks including:

This search identified Kilkenny Fields as a potential site close enough to the Lake Grounds to benefit from the facilities there and meeting most if not all the above criteria. The other sites were rejected for failing to meet the above criteria or because the landholders were unwilling to support them. The detailed analysis is shown in Appendix B.

Unfortunately the Kilkenny Fields site was ruled out by North Somerset Council because it would be a development of an otherwise undeveloped green space.

Two further sites adjacent to the outdoor pool were subsequently examined but rejected because one was in an area designated as a local nature reserve (Battery Point) and the other was too close to houses (Old Putting Green). These have been added to the diagram below and to the tables below in September 2009.

locs

Finally after further discussions with North Somerset Councillors it was agreed that the a planning application should be submitted on the location proposed.

Appendix B.

Location appraisal - January 2008/Sept 2009

Fourteen sites in Portishead were assessed against ROSPA, BSI and Portishead Skatepark Project (PSP) criteria in January 2008. Of the 14 sites only two fully meet the criteria, the Lake Grounds and Kilkenny Fields. The other sites were rejected for various reasons. A summary of the assessment is shown in Table B1. Details of the scoring for each site are shown in Table B2. Appraisal of two further sites added Sept 09. The following assessments have been made using criteria from RoSPA, British Standards Institute and other skatepark guidelines. PSP criteria are those the project felt to be essential.

e

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