Festive plans Three years of ice rink despite noise fears
CHELTENHAM is set to get an ice rink for the next three Christmases after plans were approved despite concerns over noise.
Cheltenham Borough Council has granted itself 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.
However, more than a dozen objections had been raised, with neighbours raising concerns about the noisy generators used to power the rink.
Some residents have complained the noise is so bad they have had to use earplugs, while others have to sleep in different rooms to put up with the disturbance.
Others said the ice rink would lead to unsightly damage to the grass lawn and there were concerns about the use of “air-polluting” generators. Objector
Peter Grimley spoke at the meeting and called on councillors to reject the scheme.
He said it would contribute to air pollution and it failed to recognise the limitation of bio fuels used for the generators. It also harmed the conservation area because it would be in place for 145 days, he added.
But planners say the generators will no longer be used after this year because they hope to connect the temporary facility to the power grid.
Overall, councillors felt the plans had more benefits than drawbacks. Last year’s event saw more than 43,000 use the ice rink.
However, several raised concerns about the scheme, which was debated by the planning committee.
Councillor Bernie Fisher (LD, Swindon Village) said it would be better to locate the ice rink at Montpellier Gardens.
He also said it was unfortunate that the council did not have assurance
What we are concerned about is the environmental issues. It’s a balanced decision Paul Baker
from Western Power Distribution that it would be able to connect to the power grid.
He said: “I’m loathed to approve this. When you look at places like 131, the Queens Hotel, where you pay £200 or £300 a night, do you want the noise of a diesel generator just a matter of 30 or 40 yards away from the room you are renting in a tourist town?”
Chairman Paul Baker (LD, Charlton Park) said it was a difficult proposal for councillors but said the benefits outweighed the negative aspects.
He proposed amending the proposals and approving the scheme.
“What we are concerned about is the environmental issues. It’s a balanced decision,” he said.
Officers said a condition would be included to restrict the use of generators after this year.
Seven councillors voted in favour of the plans and two were against.