PLANNING officers are calling for York's proposed observation wheel to be turned down, branding it "over-dominant and overbearing".

They have told councillors the 54-metre wheel, which World Tourist Attractions wants to site for 11 months in Tower Gardens, would cause increased noise, activity and loss of outlook for residents of nearby Tower Place.

Development control officer Simon Glazier said it would also distract motorists on the nearby inner ring road, particularly at night when the wheel would be brightly illuminated,

"The proposal would be seriously prejudicial to highway safety," he said in a report to a meeting next Thursday of the planning and transport (city centre area) sub-committee.

He also raised concerns that the wheel would affect the storage capacity of the flood plain, increasing the risk and extent of flooding, and that queuing customers would cause unacceptable inconvenience to pedestrians and cyclists using local footpaths and cycleways.

The report revealed that North Yorkshire Police had stated they could not express strongly enough their concerns over road safety, including distraction for motorists at night-time. They had also raised concerns about potential public order problems and about the commitment of resources during Royal Ascot week.

The refusal recommendation has delighted local residents, who have been campaigning against the scheme.

But they are keeping the champagne on ice, saying they are aware that councillors could still approve the scheme despite the officer's recommendations.

Pensioner Moyra Johnson said: "I am very pleased, but we're only half way there. We have to watch the councillors don't go against the recommendations."

Near neighbour Kate Till said: "I am relieved, but still don't know why they chose that location. We need to be vigilant. As the saying goes: the price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

Win Derbyshire, spokeswoman for local residents, said: "We have still got to keep the pressure up."

Roger Etchells, planning consultant for World Tourist Attractions, said: "The applicant does not accept the criticisms made of the scheme, and will be responding to these at the meeting."

Updated: 10:03 Thursday, February 24, 2005