West Dorset planners give the go ahead for the £150,000 facility

Lyme Regis Town Council’s plans for a £150,000 skatepark have been given the go-ahead by district planners.

The facility, designed by experts Wheelscape, will be located in the north east corner of Charmouth Road car park.

Supporters have welcomed the decision on the long-awaited project, which has the unanimous support of the town council and strong backing from the community.

Cllr Lucy Campbell, who led the project over the last 10 years, said: “It’s a fantastic result for the town. It’s been a long-awaited project and this is a huge milestone in the process. I couldn’t really believe it when we got to that point.”

Speaking at the planning meeting, Cllr Campbell told district councillors there had been ‘extensive consultation’ with the community, police, youth services and young people to deliver a ‘usable and safe park’.

She said: “We have spent a long time looking for a suitable site, which meets the needs of the skatepark users, but would also co-exist comfortably alongside neighbouring properties.”

Cllr Campbell said the town ‘desperately needed’ facilities like this, which can be accessed on foot and used free of charge.

She added: “The benefits this park could bring to our young people are great. It will give them something to do with their spare time, a safe place to meet and socialise, and provide a place to develop their skills.”