Work to construct the Formula E circuit in Battersea Park will begin on June 20, after Wandsworth's planning committee voted on party lines to bring back the event this summer.

Labour councillors voted against the application, but the Conservative majority votes ensured the electric car racing event would return to the Grade II listed park.

January 22: Formula E attracts hundreds of objections as application to build track in Battersea Park goes to consultation

December 31: Formula E promise quieter 2016 event but track could be in Battersea park for one month

December 16: Formula E confirmed for 2016 and 2017 despite final protest push

The building work will begin on West Carriage Drive on June 20, after pre-observations on June 16 and 17, and on July 2 and 3, the park will be closed except for a north corner and the riverside walk, for the event to take place.

The circuit will be pulled down on July 4 and 5 and should be completed by July 8.

Wandsworth Times:

Protestors outside the Town Hall when the application was discussed last year

Committee chairman Councillor Sarah McDermott said: "This was decision made purely on planning grounds and in accordance with planning legislation.

"We had to satisfy ourselves that in planning terms alone this was a suitable and appropriate event for the park and having heard all the evidence and looked at this issue in great detail the committee agreed Formula E should be given consent to return this year."

The Formula E electric car racing event has been controversial since it first came to Battersea Park in 2015.

Protestors rallied outside the town hall in Wandsworth in November when councillors had an opportunity to enact a break clause in the contract that would have prevented the return of the event despite the five-year contract.

A spokesman from Save Battersea Park said the group would be seeking further legal advice.

John Fox from the Battersea Park Action Group, said: "The group is disappointed but not surprised that the PAC voted on the basis of party lines thereby we feel setting to one side many of the 577 objections.

"We consider this decision is in clear contravention of local and national planning policy and guidelines as has been highlighted by many objectors.

"Our group is now considering a next step of a legal challenge as we believe that the council are now acting beyond statutory restrictions in permitting this event."

The application also drew an objection from the Open Spaces society.

Its general secretary Kate Ashbrook said: "Battersea Park is a high-profile open space. Such a use sets a very poor example and risks being a precedent and encouragement for commercial abuse of parks and open spaces up and down the country."

Community services spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said the council has "learned a great deal" since the last event and would be working closely with the organisers to keep disturbance to a minimum.

Formula E will be held in 2016 and 2017, when a second break clause could be enacted by Wandsworth Council. The contract will end in 2019.