Blackpool's Christmas by the Sea given planning permission

The seasonal attraction in front of the Tower launched on November 18 as the main focus of the resort’s festive celebrations for the second year running.

Rides include the 260ft high Star Flyer, while there is also an ice rink and chalets selling food and drink.

But it emerged the set-up did not have planning permission and retrospective plans were submitted for town hall approval.

Permission has now been granted for use of the land as a Christmas market comprising stalls, rides and associated attractions for no more than 50 days between November and January for up to five years including this year.

Planners, who approved the application using delegated powers, said Christmas by the Sea did not detract from other town centre businesses and used the Tower Headland which had been designed as event space.

While the market did conflict with council policies blocking development on the west side of the tram tracks, it was temporary and held in the winter so did not impinge on the open nature of the Promenade.

A report setting out the decision says “the economic and social benefits arising from the increased visitor numbers attracted to the town areconsidered sufficient to outweigh the physical harm to the character of the area.”

It adds the event was “demonstrably effective in attracting visitors who then patronise existing businesses.”

The planning report goes on: “Blackpool has long-suffered from a strongly seasonal tourist economy, and the Illuminations period has recently been extended in an attempt to address this and extend the season.

“The Christmas by the Sea event builds upon this and provides a reason for visitors to come to Blackpool between the traditional end of the season after October half-term and the New Year.

“Due to the theme of the event and the relatively small-scale nature of the rides and attractions available, the proposal is not considered to unduly compete with existing resort attractions which would be prohibited by policy RR1.”

Only one public comment was received in response to the application, questioning why the attraction had been allowed to operate without planning permission.