Temporary real ice rink at Worthing Ice Rink, Worthing

What was proposed

A temporary real ice rink and café would operate in a marquee for up to 110 days each winter until February 2033.

“Proposal: Temporary real ice rink at northern end of Steyne Gardens operating for up to 110 days each year between November and February, until February 2033.”

“This application seeks permission on a temporary basis for an ice rink at the northern end of Steyne Gardens between November and February each year until 2033. The dates will vary but will be for no more than 110 days each year.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is at the northern end of Steyne Gardens, within the town centre and conservation area, with listed buildings visible nearby.

“The application site is within Worthing town centre and Steyne Gardens Conservation Area and there are a number of listed buildings to the west visible from the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Temporary ice rinks were previously permitted for winter periods beginning in 2015 and 2019.

“AWDM/1338/15 - Temporary ice rink at north end of Steyne Gardens 28th November 2015 - 1st March 2016 (and at the same time each year until 2019). STATUS: Application Permitted 4th November 2015.”

“AWDM/1435/19 - Temporary ice rink at north end of Steyne Gardens 9th November 2019 - 23rd February 2020 (and at the same time each year until 2026). STATUS: Application Permitted 27th November 2019.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, considering the rink supported town-centre vibrancy and would comply with planning policy.

“The ice rink has been operational over the winter period for a number of years with the last application granted in 2019. This application seeks to extend the ice rink’s operation for another seven years.”

“The proposed development is considered to be in accordance with policy and it is recommended that permission is granted.”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters cited community, visitor and business benefits, while objections focused on the rink’s condition and damage to grass and paths.

“Neutral comments: - it is necessary for the grass beneath to be restored after removal of the rink. this does not seem to have happened in the past and a large eyesore results - Grass doesn’t have a chance to recover as birds eat seeds and then other events take over, - Should be left fallow every other year or increase hardstanding or widen paths so lorries don’t destroy flower beds - There are other nearby parks which could be used to give Steyne Gardens a chance to…”

“Objections - Deterioration of this ice rink, both to the structure, and the mess left around it. I think it is now an eye sore. - The Steine was left in a complete mess this year, where trucks had come in and churned up the grass and there was mud left all over the footpaths and nearly 4 months later part of the Steine is still unusable. - A few years ago the ground used to be evened out and new grass seed laid, but this hasn't been the case for several years…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The director spoke in support, describing the rink’s community benefits and answering questions about drainage, vehicles, location and site restoration.

Members’ discussion

Members praised the applicant’s management, and requested advice encouraging rainwater harvesting because a binding condition was not considered feasible.

“During debate Members praised the applicant’s long-standing, responsible management of this community resource and requested a condition for rainwater harvesting. The Planning Officer responded that because feasibility is currently unknown, an informative, rather than a time-limited condition, could be added to prompt the applicant to explore water-saving options.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously accepted the officers’ recommendation and approved the application.

“A proposal was made to accept the Officers recommendation and approve the application. This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

“Decision - Approved as recommended. Committee added informative:”

Minutes