A new ‘pump track’ is to be built on the outskirts of the South Hams.

The figure-of-eight asphalt track at Woolwell will give local BMX bikers, skaters and scooters a chance to showcase their skills.

Local councillor Nicky Hopwood (Con, Woolwell) welcomed the news and said: “This is just what the children and young people of the area want.”

Members of the South Hams Council planning committee agreed that the track plan is a so-called ‘permitted development’ and does not need to go through the planning permission process. That paves the way for work to begin.

The facility at Woolwell is the third boost for local wheelers to be considered by the council in recent months, with permission already having been given for new facilities at Kingsbridge and Totnes.

The track will be built south of Woolwell Community Centre off Darklake Lane.

Cllr Hopwood told the committee: “Woolwell residents of all ages have been consulted, and they were involved in the design process.

“With the money they had and the size of the site, I think they have got the best value for money.

“At the moment they have to go to other places to use facilities like these. Now they have them on their doorsteps.”

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson (Green, Dartington and Staverton) added: “I welcome more of these facilities for young people. I think it’s brilliant.”