Planning permission has been refused for the Summer Skate project in Bournemouth Town Centre, with councillors saying the grass would be affected by the scheme at the proposed location.
Permission has already been granted for the attraction by the Lower Gardens Trust board, the BCP Events Team, and the Safety Advisory Group.
But Cllr Michael Tarling led a proposal on Monday to refuse permission because the grass in the area would be destroyed and a Liquidambar tree could be affected in the short term.
Tarling said: “The centre of Bournemouth is based on having a garden running through it and if we effectively diminish that amenity by having our gardens taken away during the peak periods of the summer I think we’ve lost a key heritage asset in Bournemouth.”
He added that the facilities provided by Summer Skate could affect other places selling food and drink such as the Pavilion and Odeon cinema next door.
However, Cllr Jo Clements pointed out the gardens are hardly peaceful and relaxing, it’s full of people, very noisy, crowds rushing around, adding that it’s a shame the roller skating rink would actually be so small.
“I think it’s wonderful for the town to have an outdoor tourism attraction, and this is an alternative kind of experience.
“Let’s face it, Bournemouth is on its knees – our tourism – our economy – we need something and we have to promote our town. Personally I believe this outweighs any concerns, and it is only temporary.”
Cllr Marion Le Poidevin agreed, saying: “We allow the ice rink in winter which is extremely noisy, so are we having dual standards?”
The planning committee refused the skate park with a small minority of five to four.
Commenting on Instagram, Summer Skate management said: “As a private company, we have incurred considerable cost and time, on trying to bring a safe and happy environment to the Town Centre and Bournemouth gardens.
“This event had already been granted permission from the Lower Gardens Trust board, the BCP Events Team, and the rigorous Safety Advisory Group.
“We want to thank all of the individuals in the BCP Events team and BCP staff who worked so hard with us. This is a very unfortunate outcome and one that I am sure many will be disappointed with.
“We were really looking forward to you all enjoying R1SE park yoga, roller skating with us, and watching Films on the big screen under the stars.
“Note: Please rest assured that ALL pre-purchased tickets will be fully refunded this week.”
A BCP Council spokesperson 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 8 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.”