THE application to build a skate park in Sherdley Park has been withdrawn.

The proposals for the facility at the council-owned park have been listed on the local authority’s planning portal.

The decision to withdraw was published on the St Helens Council website today, Wednesday, February 8.

Recent documents within the application show objections from Sports England, published on January 26, which state that the proposed site would affect the use of potential land for pitches and recommended the use of other land located nearby.

The objection from Sports England said: “It is recommended that the applicant designed a proposal that accords with the Sports England playing field policy, which states:

St Helens Star:

"The proposed development affects only land in capable of forming part of a playing pitch, and does not:

  • reduce the size of any playing pitch; Can result in the inability to use any playing pitch (including the maintenance of adequate safety margins and run-off areas);
  • reduce the sporting capacity of the playing field to accommodate playing pitches all the capability to rotate or reposition playing pictures to maintain the quality;
  • result in the loss of other sporting provision or Ancillary Facilities on the site; or
  • prejudice the use of any part of a playing field, and any of it playing pitches.

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“With this in mind, and when reviewing aerial imagery, it is advised that the proposed skatepark is relocated to an area of land to the north east where there are other recreational facilities (i.e. the play area and gym area) or to an area of land to the west, between the car park, the mature tree, brick structure, and road named as 'The Score.'

“In light of the above, Sports England objects to the application.”

Other objections came from members of the public highlighting the potential use of the site as "a hang out for non skaters" and that the slope of the land proposed doesn’t lend itself to being a safe site.

To find more information on this planning application, click here