Organisers of a controversial ice rink skated their way to victory after proposals were given the green light.

The Richmond Rink at Strawberry Hill House, run by Twickenham Alive, which opens to the public on December 6, was approved by Richmond Council's planning committee on Wednesday, November 12.

Despite the plans being approved, a number of concerns were raised, including noise levels and how the temporary structure would affect the biodiversity in the area.

Liese Brandt, who lives nearby, said: "We don't want to hear generators seven days a week."

"The generator noise will have an effect on the wildlife.

"It [the site] backs on to woodlands and a listed building."

Doubts were also raised about whether the gothic castle's 29-capacity car park would cope with the strain of increased visitor numbers.

Resident Jo Gunning said: said: "This is somewhere small families, particularly in this area, drive to."

Twickenham Alive's Berkeley Driscoll addressed the fears on parking issues, saying people have allotted time slots on the ice.

He said: "People don't want to miss their space on the ice with their families while seeking parking spaces - there is a bus stop outside the house and the train station is five minutes away."

The proposals were backed by the planning committee, with seven councillors voting in favour and one, Councillor Benedict Dias, who represents Twickenham Riverside, opting to reject it.

Among those speaking in favour of the plans was Nicholas Smith, director of Strawberry Hill Trust.

He said: "The proposal would improve footfall at a time of year when it is obviously low."

Richmond Rink runs until January 25 and more information can be found at richmondrink.com.