A skate park which is being trumpeted as the “envy of Kent” has been given the go ahead.

Outline permission for a 1.5-acre site behind Halfords in Mill Way, Sittingbourne, was granted at a Swale planning committee meeting on Thursday.

It follows a campaign from youngsters, supported by council members, to create a park dedicated to skaters and BMX riders who previously gathered in the town centre, but were moved on after complaints from residents and traders.

The task is now to raise £300,000 to furnish the site which is due to include advanced areas for skateboarders, a street plaza, a cafe and skate shops.

Chalkwell ward’s Cllr Ghlin Whelan (Lab) said: “The park will be the envy of Kent.

“It will be able to accommodate all disciplines simultaneously –BMX, skateboards, roller skates – and people of all ages from seven to 70.

“With residents saying their second most important concern is something must be done to keep youngsters occupied, it’s good to see the council treating those concerns seriously.”

The park was approved subject to environmental and ecological reports, the results of which will be decided by the chairman of the planning committee.

Dave Green, committee mentor of the Sittingbourne Skatepark Fundraising Group, which, along with council donations and councillors’ grants, has so far collected £75,000 for the scheme, said: “It will be a great asset to the town and provide a much-needed youth facility.

“The social benefit is massive, it will remove youngsters from skating and BMXing in the town centre where they are not wanted.”

Bids have been submitted to funding outlets to help secure the remaining cash needed to finance the project.

Before work begins at the site, a detailed planning application will need to be approved.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), Swale’s cabinet member for localism, paid tribute to Mr Green’s group’s efforts, saying: “I believe this is a very good scheme for Sittingbourne, for the future of Sittingbourne, and I urge members to give it their full and unequivocal support.”

Groundwork South, the design team in charge of the project, wants to hear from youngsters with ideas on the park’s layout. Submit suggestions at carolunwin@groundwork.org.uk or call 01322 384848.