Joshua Hines (left) and Ernie De Neve at the temporary skatepark at North Lodge Park in Cromer.

Objections trigger call-in of Cromer skatepark plan

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
10:09 AM

A clutch of objections from nearby residents has forced North Norfolk District Council’s (NNDC) leader to “call in” the application to build a skatepark in Cromer.

The move by Keith Johnson, a member for Cromer, means the plan will have to be decided by councillors on the development committee, rather than being determined by officers.

At Monday’s Cromer Town Council, Mr Johnson said: “I noticed the town council is supporting the application for a skatepark, but there’s been numerous objections so I’ve had to call it in.”

The application, which was submitted in May, has received 23 supporting responses and 11 in opposition.

The recently-founded Cromer Skatepark committee is seeking to develop a facility for skateboards, scooters and BMXs near to the zip wire on the Meadow on Hall Road.

Efforts to develop the skatepark have been ongoing for many years, and included a site being earmarked then withdrawn at Happy Valley - amid concerns about emergency service access.

In recent months, the campaign has picked up pace, with youngsters moving onto the vacant former Kiddies’ Corner at North Lodge Park to set up a makeshift park with ramps.

A series of protests by youngsters before Cromer Town Council meetings increased the pressure, and resulted in a meeting that saw the Meadow site earmarked for the development.

NNDC also agreed that the youngsters could continue to use Kiddies’ Corner until work began on the proposed redevelopment of North Lodge Park, which is currently on the backburner after controversy about the proposals.

5 comments

Thank you Gary, it is outrageous that those who have failed to suggest alternatives and scurry about at night delivering hate mail, are not being pulled up by the media and the news. The objections are in the minority and by Garry's account are scurrylous annonymous smears, faceless, which in no way should sway any decisions cllr.s make. They are not into the dark arts and Shannocks worldwide will be appauled should this child unfriendly attitude persist.

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ingo wagenknecht

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I am a nearby resident and we received a letter distributed by another anon resident in the darkness of night listing all the reasons I should write and object. Shame they didn't have the courage to door knock in daylight and I would of made it clear why I think it's a wonderful idea as it would seem do the majority.

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Gary Dickenson

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Will the 11 people complain when the kids hang around bored because there is no stakepark to keep them occupied?

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NigelS

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Am I reading this correctly? it is stated there have been "Numerous" objections, since when has 11 been "numerous"?? There were 23 in favour which means twice as many are in favour as opposed, in a democracy this counts as a landslide victory. Stop messing about and just build it for the kids, they need it and deserve it.

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Mr T

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
they probably want more retirement flats there

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Double Bill

Tuesday, July 10, 2012