Ice rink and winter attractions get go-ahead

Since 2016, an ice rink and various festive attractions have been given planning permission

A plan to install an ice rink and winter attractions in Windsor for the next three years has been given permission.

The rink, rides and other festive attractions can be installed in Alexandra Gardens between October and January from this year until 2028.

Operator Windsor on Ice pulled an application in July after the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's planners said it would have harmed views of Windsor Castle and the town centre.

But officers said they were happy with a revised proposal and councillors approved it on Thursday, with six in favour and one opposed.

Since 2016, an ice rink and various festive attractions and rides have been granted temporary planning permission in the town centre over the winter months.

The altered project will now cause "less than substantial harm" to the castle and the town centre's conservation area and will bring "substantial" public benefit, the council said in a report.

Clare Johnson, Windsor on Ice's operations manager, told the committee she was "born and bred" in the town and was proud of its growth since she started running the event.

She said the family-run business had worked hard to bring about the "full festive experience".