Tomorrow is D-Day for plans to provide a skate park in Oxford's Cowley Marsh park.

Months of argument are set to come to a head at a meeting of Oxford City Council's strategic development control committee, when a final decision on whether to grant permission for the scheme will be taken.

The Oxford Wheels Project, which is behind the scheme, wants to construct a permanent site, with concrete ramps and bowls, allowing up to 30 people to skate at one time.

It would replace a temporary skate park in Meadow Lane, which is scheduled to close by the end of the summer.

It is among the most contentious planning applications in the council's history, with more than 150 people giving their views.

Most were in favour of the skate park. Jack Richens, 28, executive officer of the Wheels Project, said: "It's such an essential facility.

"Everyone agrees that it has been a success in Meadow Lane and it's necessary.

"It's something Oxford needs and this is the opportunity to provide it."

Resident Charo Bajo, of nearby Crescent Road, who opposes the proposal, said: "We have outlined our objections already.

"We have done a lot of research on this and we believe most skate parks are in areas where there aren't residents 200m to 250m away.

"This would be less than 150 metres away from some homes."

However, the application, which was not supported by the members of the council's Cowley area committee, is being recommended for approval by officers.