SKATEBOARDERS could soon performing ollies and grinds at a specialist facility in Rooksdown.

A planning application has been submitted to build a skatepark in Rooksdown Park, in Park Prewett Road, including a shelter for park users.

The skatepark will be styled, meaning there would be an array of ramps, steps and pipes for users to test their skills on.

It would be able to be used by BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters and inline bladers and would be suitable for beginners to advanced riders, according to the planning application.

Rooksdown ward councillor Simon Bound said: "This is a part of a masterplan for the overall park which we have had in place probably for three years. This has included installing a multi-use play area.

"Its relatively easy to know what toddlers want from a park with play areas but it gets a bit more difficult with teenagers. However, biking, scooting, skating and that kind of thing is always popular - interest doesn't seem to ever go away - so it seems appropriate.

"It will also be the first styled concrete park in the borough which means people can try out different aspects and learn different skills."

The current nearest skatepark to Rooksdown Park is in Thornhill Way, Chineham, nearly four miles away, with a planning application report outlining a demand for the facility in Rooksdown being made clear on social media.

The park will feature a state-of-the-art youth centre that uses solar power to provide a DAB radio, speakers and a Bluetooth system to allow users to play music.

Addressing potential concerns from residents about anti-social behaviour, cllr Bound said: "People have a perception that skateparks attract some anti-social behaviour. It could attract potential perpetrators but it makes it easier for police and community wardens to manage by having potentially have those people in one place.

"The skatepark will also be further away from housing."

The design and access statement for the application adds: "Many studies have shown that skateparks and skatepark users are not associated with anti-social behaviour. The skatepark provides an environment where users can develop social and physical skills and where respect of the facility and other users is very apparent."

The application is due to be decided on by Wednesday, September 27.

For more information or to comment, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search using the planning code 17/02380/BPA3.