‘Scandalous’ Objectors hit out at council bid to bring ice rink back to square
PEOPLE fear “scandalous” plans for Cheltenham to have an ice rink over the next three Christmases will cause noise nuisance and pollution.
Cheltenham Borough Council wants permission to use Imperial Gardens over the next three years to site temporary structures including an ice rink in connection with festivals and special events.
The permission would be for a maximum of 75 days, from November to January in the years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. It follows last year’s successful event which saw more than 43,000 people use the rink.
But a dozen local residents have voiced serious concerns over the scheme which they feel is “scandalous” as the town would be deprived of its iconic square for more than 20% of the year.
Objectors have also raised concerns about the ice rink being powered by “air-polluting” diesel generators, it would lead to unsightly damage to the grass lawn and cause a noise nuisance. Residents said they had to use earplugs to put up with the noise last time.
“I strongly object to the ice rink coming back to Imperial Square which is completely inappropriate for what should be beautiful gardens for all visitors to see and enjoy,” one of the objectors said.
“The area is not suitable for access and ambulances had to attend a number of times and park on the grass. Why not make one of the council car parks available for the ice rink or have it out of town in a rented area.”
The council says the plans are in addition to the current planning permission of 70 days for festivals and special events within Montpellier Gardens and Imperial Gardens.
The ice rink scheme is very similar to those previously permitted by the council’s planning committee.
The new proposals seek to add an extra three periods and increase the site area previously approved and will provide additional space for structures for commercial activity which will include the box office and other Christmas attractions.
The temporary structures would comprise mainly of an outdoor covered ice rink and other such structures normally associated with events.
Outside the structure of the ice rink small-scale commercial activity is proposed. A council report says the design of the ice rink and temporary structures are unknown at this stage but a proposed zoned layout plan has been submitted.
If approved, the ice rink would be located in the south west quadrant of the gardens and the extra commercial activity would be in the north west of the gardens. Once the proposal has been built the remaining Imperial Gardens will be unused by the event and will remain open to the public.
The number of days being applied for includes the time taken for the construction and dismantling of the temporary structures as well as the time the structures are in place for the events themselves, according to a report to be presented to the planning committee
The number of days does not include the time taken for reinstatement works. Councillors are set to debate the proposals at a planning committee meeting today.
Officers have recommended that the scheme should be approved.
I strongly object to the ice rink coming back to Imperial Square which is completely inappropriate
Ice rink objector