THE proposal to bring a big wheel to the city has generated a great deal of interest from residents and visitors, but it may be helpful to correct some misconceptions.

A planning application has been lodged by World Tourist Attractions Ltd to bring the wheel to Tower Gardens. This is completely independent of the council.

The application will be dealt with in the normal way by the council's planning committee, which will consider a range of factors including suitability of the location, transport issues and impact on residents and the environment.

Contrary to concerns raised by your readers, there is no suggestion that any trees will need to be removed if the application is successful.

As part of the application, the company has submitted an archaeological evaluation, a flood risk assessment and a request to trim one tree.

As the landlord and planning authority, the council's planning committee will look at all the information available when making its decision.

Charlie Croft

Assistant director (lifelong learning and leisure),

City of York Council,

Back Swinegate, York.

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, February 17, 2005