Campaigners for a skatepark at Cromer are celebrating victory after their scheme won planning approval.

It is a major breakthrough in a 30-year battle to provide the facility for local youngsters.

North Norfolk District Council's development control committee this morning voted unanimously in favour of amended plans on the Meadow, near an existing play park and pitch and putt course.

In July they suggested moving the planned site slightly east into the mini golf area, farther away sheltered housing, a footpath and an informal play area.

But negotiations came to the conclusion the original site was best, with a redesign to avoid the path and minimise the impact on the ball game, said a report which went to councillors.

Skatepark chairman Edward Land said after the decision: ' 'We are absolutely delighted. It has brought all our hard work to a wonderful conclusion, and it is wonderful that councillors have got behind our vision. I cannot wait to share the good news with all the young people.'

A report to councillors said 16 letters including a petition with 22 names, were against the revised plans for a string of reasons ranging from noise and anti-social behaviour to visual intrusion and lack of screening. There were 12 objections to the original plans, along with another person suggesting it should be at Cabbell Park football ground to cause the least inconvenience to the public.

Twenty three people wrote supporting the original scheme and one backing the amended one.

Officers are recommending delegated approval of the scheme saying they had carefully considered objections but felt the principle of the skate park was acceptable at the location because of its other recreation uses.

A conservation office said that while the development would not enhance the site it would not impact on its setting.

And environmental protection officers had not raised any noise issues, added the report to councillors.

However it looked like earlier plans to sink the concrete 'bowl' structure into the ground might not be possible due to a high water table.

The planning breakthrough comes as the skatepark group received an �8,000 legacy from local cancer sufferer Verity Fridman to further the 61-year-old's dying wish to help provide facilities for youngsters in the town.