Kick flips all round as Surrey's newest skate park approved
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Elmbridge Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously backed the bid to replace Leg O’Mutton’s “disused” skatepark near Downside Bridge Road on Tuesday, February 6 with a new and “much improved” facility.
The new skatepark will provide an outdoor sport space for the community and in particular younger people, while its design boosts inclusivity for all rider abilities, the committee heard.
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Hide AdThe project was driven by Martin Elbourne and the Cobham Village Partnership.


Mr Elbourne said: “There are two things, firstly we are obviously delighted the application for the new skate park was unanimously approved – and grateful for the support of the councillors.
“The decision reflected the recognition that the younger generation suffered disproportionally from covid and that such a project would go some way of addressing the physical and mental mental issues facing the community.”
Despite the universal backing of the plans there were a few minor concerns the committee discussed. These included taking up more green belt land and the potential for antisocial behaviour. But it was felt the wider benefits of giving people a new skatepark would help, not only with wellbeing and fitness but also in turning a poorly used rundown site into a popular gathering place.
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Hide AdCllr Alistair Mann (CON; Cobham and Downside): “I recognise there is a concern in Cobham that Cobham has a graffiti problem, whether it does or it doesn’t, there is a concern that it does, and that the skateboarding community is likely to develop that problem.


“Anecdotally that suggests that a better used skatepark is likely to be self policing.
“Comments against the new park say its currently disused so why have a new one? Im not surprised. It’s a out of date and ultimately dangerous so its been disused.
“What were faced with is an application to put a very welcome, and even those negative comments broadly welcome it, investment into Cobham.
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Hide AdCllr Janet Turner (RA; Hinchley Wood and Weston Green Ward) thanked the people who worked to get the park and said there was no way the council could have afforded the project.
She said: “This is something that is very important to Elmbridge.
“This is really important it actually gets people outside and active.
“Thank you to the people who took this forward we couldn’t have done it without you.”