BOURNEMOUTH'S ice rink in the Lower Gardens has been granted formal planning consent nearly a week after it opened for business.

The attraction, the town's biggest ever ice rink, operated by THIS Event Co, was delayed earlier this year as the council deliberated over rival bids for the site.

In a report, council officers said: "Concerns have been raised by the council’s conservation officer and urban design officers regarding the scale and footprint of the current proposal, and the visual impact it would have within the context of the listed gardens.

"During the course of the application, minor changes were introduced.

"Despite the scale of the proposed structures, it is considered that the proposed development would enhance the Christmas offer within Bournemouth town centre, providing economic benefits and to some extent, social benefits by providing additional leisure activities."

The permission, granted by officers under delegated powers, covers the rink for the next five years, in its current format.

The borough imposed a condition that more be done to liven up the side of the rink facing the Bourne stream.

The rink will operate until Tuesday, January 2, excluding Christmas Day, with skating sessions between 10.30am and 10pm.