PLANS for a new skate park in Chippenham were finally submitted last week, after years of consultation and debate.

The plans include a sunken concrete skate park with timber screening, seating and soft landscaping at Monkton Park.

Contractor Wheelscape created the park and took into account a number of issues including noise, damage to wildlife and flood risk.

Design consultant, Russell Heideman, who has worked for Wheelscape for five years, said: “It’s the most in-depth design I have done since I have been here.

“One of the things which was slightly different to other projects is the ecology. We had to make sure local wildlife was not affected so we had to include bird boxes and flower and tree planting.

“Probably the most obvious issue is the acoustics, which was the issue previously, so we had to design an acoustic barrier which is a curved timber fence that blocks the sound.”

“It’s also on a flood plain so we had to make sure that how much we took off or left had to remain the same.

“I’m certainly confident and hoping for the best and the fact the project is tendered by the council means that a lot of members support it.”

Residents near Monkton Park have voiced their concerns about any skate park, believing there are more suitable locations available.

Councillor Chris Caswill, who represents Monkton ward, said: “It’s clear that it’s in the wrong place, that we have always said and this application makes it clear.

“It’s not going to be able to keep the noise under control, the wall they have put in is not adequate. It’s an unsound planning application because it doesn’t really address the residents’ concerns about noise.”

The plans will go before Chippenham Town Council’s planning, environment and transport committee on July 14 before a final decision is made by Wiltshire Council, expected by September 23. People have until July 28 to comment on the plan.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “Young people from the Chippenham area have seen a skate park as a priority for many years. We are progressing the plans through the planning system, and would encourage people to have their say.”