Skateboarders have spoken of their delight after plans for a new £300,000 skatepark in Oxford were given the go-ahead by councillors.

Supporters of the plan for the skate park at Cowley Marsh Recreation Ground said they were stunned and surprised by the decision from Oxford City Council's strategic development control committee.

Ten of the 11 councillors voted to approve the park, despite a flurry of letters of objection from nearby residents and a recommendation to refuse permission from the council's Cowley area committee.

Skater Alex Smith, 24, from Drucecorr Way, Blackbird Leys, said: "I'm really happy. It's a start. Let's hope the next part goes through. Fingers crossed."

Yesterday's decision means the Oxford Wheels Project, the charity behind the skate park proposals, can begin to negotiate a lease from Oxford City Council.

If talks are successful, a triangular skate park will be built in the recreation ground.

Up to 30 people will be able to use the park's ramps and jumps at any one time. It will be open from 10am to 9.30pm on weekdays and 9am to 9.30pm at weekends.

Jack Richens, of Oxford Wheels Project, said: "I'm slightly stunned, to be honest. I wasn't expecting any kind of approval at all.

"I'm very pleased indeed. This is the first time we have been off the starting blocks. We're in a position now to raise funds and get on with it."

The project has been running a skate park in Meadow Lane for 10 years, but this was only intended to be a temporary home and the ramps are coming to the end of their life.

People living around the new site were less impressed. Nearly 30 had submitted letters to the committee outlining concerns over noise, traffic and environmental issues they believe the park would create.

Judith Harley, of the Old Temple Cowley Residents' Association, said: "I'm disappointed and surprised. Opposition to the scheme is very strong.

"We have the local knowledge, which the majority of councillors on the committee did not.

"We will continue to support Oxford Wheels Project in their search for a site elsewhere in the city, but we feel this is totally the wrong site for them."