A planning appeal has been launched to save a refused back garden skate ramp in Welwyn Garden City.

The ramp was built at an address in Blackthorn Road, with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council issuing an enforcement notice before refusing a planning application for it to remain.

Noise and privacy issues for neighbours were both cited when the plans were initially refused back in November last year.

"The skate ramp would generate noise in an existing residential area, which would be disruptive to the occupiers of adjoining properties," read Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's decision notice. 

"In addition, the raised platforms on the skate ramp would result in undue impacts on the privacy of neighbouring occupiers.

"The proposal would therefore result in harm to the living conditions of adjoining occupiers."

Applicant Natalia Ortynskaya has now appealed the decision with hopes of getting it overturned.

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The original application argued that the ramp would be used for roller skating and would be much quieter than skateboarding.

"This skate ramp will only be used for roller skating which is not only quieter than standard skateboarding, but also much safer for this type of ramp," a planning statement reads.

"We are conscious of the fact that roller skating isn't a conventional hobby, and we want to be proactive in addressing any potential concerns that our neighbours may have.

"As such we have so far identified noise, visual appearance, and privacy as important concerns. We are receptive to any and all feedback on our plans and are keen to make it work for all parties."

Despite there being a skate park just 15 minutes from Blackthorn Road, the applicant described the King George V site as "unsuitable".

"Both of us regularly work from home and having a ramp in our garden gives us the option to practise roller skating during the day when we have a break," the planning statement adds.

"There is a skate park at King George V, but this is approximately 15 minutes walk away, which makes it unsuitable for us to have quick practise sessions at, for example, lunchtime.

"It's also not usable during bad weather and doesn't have a ramp suitable for our needs and level of skating.

"Having a ramp of our own provides us with a safe space to practise away from other users, particularly skateboard and scooter riders, and reduces the anxiety associated with that."

The application also claimed that despite objections, some neighbours support the skate ramp, continuing: "We feel that a ramp can bring our community closer together and allow us to offer something fun to enjoy to those around us.

"We've gotten to know our neighbours and one of the families has expressed their particular excitement about the ramp - they have young children and would be happy to come over and let them use it."