Bournemouth summer roller rink refused permission

BCP Council's turned down plans for the activity in the Lower Gardens

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 12th Jul 2024

A roller skating rink in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens this summer now won't be going ahead.

The activity has been planned for six weeks over the school holidays, along with a big screen, bar and catering.

But BCP Council has refused planning permission, saying it would affect the 'visual impact' for the Gardens, along with biodiversity concerns.

In a statement, the authority said:

"BCP Council has refused permission for the temporary use of Land at Bournemouth Lower Gardens for a roller-skating rink, big screen and mobile bar and catering facilities.

"On Monday 8th July, the Eastern BCP Planning Committee considered the application and supported the Planning Officer's recommendation for refusal.

"The application was refused due to the adverse visual impact on the Lower Gardens, which are Grade II listed, alongside non-compliance in relation to new legislation on Biodiversity Net Gain and concerns around displaced flooding.

"The Local Planning Authority acknowledges that this decision will be disappointing for the applicant. Planning Committee members recognised at the meeting that it was a difficult decision, but on balance, they concluded that the negatives did outweigh the benefits.”

The same site was used last winter for an ice-skating rink, with concerns raised about the condition of the grass underneath being affected by the set up.

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