19.03.2013
We were disturbed to read in the local press that Steyning Society is opposed to the proposed Skateboard Park. THIS IS NOT TRUE. The Society supports any initiatives for the young people but the committee and membership is divided on this issue. Aware and concerned for some residents misgivings and watchful that all necessary checks are made before construction starts.
Just to clarify – the statement that the Society had “objected” was a quotation from what the planning officer said at the HDC planning committee hearing on 19th June 2012:-
“So just to make that clear – it is 215 letters of objection and 179 letters of support. We have also received a number of comments as well from consultees.
Firstly the CPRE of Sussex, they object to the application on the grounds of adverse impact and noise impact on the national park. They also consider that further details should have been included with the application in respect of the design of the skate board facility.
The Steyning Society also objects on the amount of noise and bunding. They also consider it is difficult to make a decision on the basis of the information provided………..
……..The South Downs Society raise concerns regarding noise and effects upon the national park. They also question whether the proposal is the best site for the facility.
The Ramblers Association raise no objection in principle but object to the path leading to the facility.”
Noise remains a major concern which the Parish Council is failing to address.
With the bunding now removed there is no noise attenuation at all and so both the Parish Council’s own original engineers (Atkins) and the country’s leading expert (Saunders) say that the skatepark will be unacceptably noisy and completely in breach of the very standards SPC told the public would mean it “would not think of going ahead”.
Instead, the Parish Council has obtained a report from engineers who have used a wholly novel and completely flawed method of assessment which fails to take account of the maximum trick noises (the very thing which leads to nuisance) and which, totally inappropriately, equates the 7 day a week dawn to dusk noise of the skatepark with the very different character of a football match played for just a few hours each week in the winter when doors and windows are closed and few other people are in the MPF.
We would like to see the Society seek a proper explanation from the Council
Friends of Memorial Playing Field
The Steyning Society has made it abundantly clear that it does not take a stance on the issue of the Skateboard Park. Now that the people of Steyning have voted in favour, the Society supports the Steyning Parish Council in its efforts to build the Skateboard Park.