Green light for temporary ice rink to return to Windsor's Alexandra Gardens

A temporary ice rink and winter attractions are set to return to Alexandra Gardens after planning permission was secured for the next three years.

The Windsor and Ascot Development Management Committee debated the new plans for Windsor On Ice during a meeting on Thursday.

Since 2016, the ice rink has been operating in the 19th century gardens over the festive period.

But in July this year, an application for planning permission for the temporary ice rink was withdrawn after it was recommended for refusal by council planning officers.

The council’s planning department had raised concerns over the temporary venue’s impact on the setting of Windsor Castle and its proximity to mature trees.

An enforcement investigation was also launched in November last year because some of the attractions stood too close to the roots of trees within the gardens.

Windsor On Ice submitted a fresh set of plans which looked to address these concerns by ‘slightly altering the proposed layout and number of attractions.’

Clare Johnson, the operation’s manager for Windsor On Ice, told Thursday’s meeting: “I’m really proud from how this event has grown from a very small ice rink to the town’s much loved festive tradition

“For me, Windsor On Ice is more than about ice skating. It’s about creating festive magic, community spirit and something Windsor can be truly proud of.”

Resident Ian Haggett spoke at the meeting and told councillors how the temporary attraction had morphed from a small ice rink with three or four rides in 2016 to something much bigger.

Mr Haggett said: “The event has expanded into an adult affair, much larger, much higher. There is no quantifiable benefits to offset the harm to heritage and the environment.”

Ms Johnson said there are a number of skating events held for children, including sessions every Tuesday.

She told the planning committee that 60,000 people visited the temporary ice rink last year.

Conservative councillor Julian Sharpe (Con, Ascot and Sunninghill) said he saw no reason why the plans should be refused and said the event has grown because it’s more popular now.

Cllr Sharpe said: “I think we’re supporting a local business and we’re bringing vibrancy to the town over the Christmas.

“Anything that can stimulate business in the town centre has got to be good for the town.”

The new plans seek permission for the temporary ice rink and attractions to operate from October to January, from 10am to 9pm daily, for the following three years.

Windsor On Ice will also be required to comply with a number of planning conditions.

These include submitting a tree survey, having a waste and landscape management plan as well as flood protection measures in place.

The applicant also has to have everything cleared off the site in Barry Avenue by January 25 each year.Councillor Devon Davies (Lib Dem, Eton and Castle) questioned whether the expansion of the ice rink could be too big compared to previous years.

 Previous plans approved in 2022 featured 11 attractions but this year, 12 attractions and a bigger ice rink have been proposed.

He told the meeting said: “What we have to decide is, is this expansion the straw that broke the camel’s back? It is quite a big expansion.

“But that said, I also don’t want to say, ‘sorry kids we had to cancel Windsor On Ice this year because it was too big and had too many nice lights.’”

The plans were eventually approved, with six votes for and one against.