Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, welcomed the news.

"I am delighted that we have received permission to go ahead with our plans and thank Westminster City Council for their support," he said.

"The London Games will be an amazing experience for athletes, officials and spectators, and I believe that Horse Guards Parade will be one of our most spectacular venues and bring real excitement to the area in 2012."

Mark Camley, chief executive of The Royal Parks, said: "The eight Royal Parks will host a range of London 2012 Games events and we're delighted that beach volleyball will take place on Horse Guards Parade in St James's Park.

"This historical and popular park, home to Europe's biggest jousting tournament in the 17th century and famous for ceremonial events like Trooping the Colour, is visited by over six million people each year.

"This is the first time it will host an event of this kind."

From mid-June 2012, work will begin on temporary structures such as an arena for 15,000 spectators and the creation of sand courts.

The Olympic beach volleyball schedule will last for 13 days from late July to early August 2012.


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December 2010: Exclusive - London 2012 beach volleyball test event confirmed at Horse Guard's Parade next August
October 2010: Centre Court-style venue for beach volleyball at London 2012