An indoor skate park due to be built inside a disused church has been given planning permission.

An application for 'Skate Space' was submitted in June 2023, nearly a year after Channel 103 reported its intentions

While the charity says it is celebrating the approval to renovate the St Ouen Methodist Church, 'changes are needed' in the planning process.

Natalie Mayer who is behind the project says it was a 'slow, bureaucratic' process.

"While we celebrate, I've learned we have a system in Jersey that can deter community initiatives. Our system favours resources over intention. We need a change to support non-profits like us. We want to inspire others, there are many more projects like this needed.

I hope the relevant people in charge can observe these challenges we've faced, and work together to ease regulations, and so support positive community projects. It's crucial for our community's future and self-reliance."

Sports Minister, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, replied to the social media post saying Natalie made some 'important points'.

Some positive news for a grey, stormy January day (politically as well as the actual weather!)
And Natalie makes some very important points about getting things done in Jersey and the blockers that are too often in the way. https://t.co/E69XuEN0eB

— Lucy Stephenson (@LucyStevoJSY) January 4, 2024

Natalie says even though they now have the planning approval, there is some 'red tape' the charity needs to sort out before building works can begin.

She told us that Skate Space has been offered the old St Helier ramps as a 'temporary solution' while they fundraise for new ones.

The charity is now looking for sponsors to help it move to the next phase of the build.