The Ice Factor secures licence at York Designer Outlet

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions was yesterday granted the permit to play music and serve alcohol at the Ice Factor’s new home at the York Designer Outlet coach and car park.

Councillors will decide on Thursday whether to grant planning permission at Naburn for a further five years for the rink, which has attracted more than 250,000 visitors since its arrival in the city.

Lunchbox’s licence was approved at a City of York Council licensing hearing. It will allow the attraction to open between 9am and 10pm for skating sessions and from 8.30am for weekend classes.

This year’s events, which will run from November 26 to January 8, will see visitors leaving the ice at 9.15pm.

The Ice Factor was forced to move from its original home at the Eye of York following objections from officials at York Crown Court, and operated at the Designer Outlet for the first time last year.

However, fresh planning permission, as well as the new licence, is now required for that to continue.

Lunchbox’s spokeswoman, Maria Farrugia, told the hearing: “Over the past seven years, the Ice Factor has been hugely popular as a healthy and fun pastime for people of all ages and has won numerous national accolades.

“Having been evicted from our city-centre site, we have worked very hard with our new partners and neighbours.

“This is a good event for York and we want to continue bringing fun to people at Christmas.”

The firm said the rink would be powered by mains electricity this winter, rather than by using a generator, after Naburn residents raised fears about noise levels.

Concerns were also aired about the way the impact of noise was monitored and parking issues on verges in Naburn Lane and on the approach to York Designer Outlet.

Lunchbox’s licence will also allow live music to be played outdoors between noon and 6pm at weekends, as well as weekdays between Christmas and New Year.

Its planning application has been recommended for approval by council officers.