Wheel gets thumbs-up

The National Railway Museum's plan to bring a £3 million observation wheel to York is coming before city council bosses next week, and officers are recommending the scheme be given the thumbs-up.

Reaching 60 metres into the sky, the wheel will offer visitors a panoramic view of York's historic city centre, the Minster and the River Ouse from the NRM's Leeman Road base.

Operator World Tourist Attractions has been trying for a year to bring the giant wheel to York, but its first site - at Tower Gardens, in Skeldergate - was slammed by local residents and conservationists.

If the wheel is given the green light on this occasion, it could bring up to 30 jobs, as well as attracting as many as one million tourists to the city.

A council report, which will be handed to councillors attending a planning meeting next Thursday, concludes that the wheel would not cause "undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance".

Written by development control officer Simon Glazier, the report says: "It is considered that the proposed site of the observation wheel, away from the city centre and its associated listed buildings, and with significant separation from residential properties, is acceptable in planning terms."

Mr Glazier notes some concerns regarding distraction to road users, and pedestrian safety.

It is recommended that the wheel should be removed by January 31 next year, unless a renewal of planning permission is granted.

That gives the council the chance to have a look at the impact of the wheel on the roads and surrounding area.

The report also recommends the wheel should operate only during the opening hours of the museum "unless specific extensions beyond these permitted hours are approved in writing".

A museum spokeswoman said: "We are optimistic. We hope that we will be able to see the York wheel later in the spring."

Updated: 09:19 Thursday, January 12, 2006