Residents appeal St Helier skatepark decision

An appeal has been lodged over the decision to build a skatepark on the site of reversing bays used by learner drivers in St Helier by neighbours over safety concerns and fears about noise when the bays are moved near their homes.

The government's scheme for skatepark equipment, acoustic fencing, an accessible toilet and baby changing and CCTV at South Hill, was approved by Jersey's planning committee in March.

A local woman has lodged an appeal and called for strict conditions controlling noise and alarms used by drivers learning to reverse HGVs and buses.

The government has been approached for comment about the appeal.

The government said the skatepark would be moved to Fort Regent after its redevelopment, which is earmarked for 2028.

Melanie Mayer said the reversing bays will be moved nearer to her home "which will bring this source of noise much closer".

She said drivers of larger vehicles have to use alarms, and the bays are "frequently used late at night and very early in the morning".

She called for conditions setting out when and how the reversing bays can be used to reduce the impact on residents and said Jersey's bridging island plan rules that new developments "must not unreasonably harm"

Jeremy Gosselin said he has safety concerns about people arriving and leaving the skatepark because of poor road visibility.

In his submission Gosselin said the "only justification" for using the South Hill site was the "inconvenience" of the estimated three-year wait to open a skatepark in Fort Regent.

He said the temporary nature of the site "weakens the argument for it".

The Minister for Infrastructure Constable Andy Jehan has said the area "transcends sport and play" and was the "best place for young islanders" to enjoy sport at "a dedicated facility".

The government has been approached for comment about the appeal.

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