Big wheel gets permission for four more summers

The big wheel in Torquay has been given planning permission

A big wheel tourist attraction has been given planning permission for the next four years in the historic gardens of a seaside resort.

The 45m (150ft) wheel has been a feature on Torquay's seafront since 2012.

Torbay Council's planning committee voted unanimously on Monday to grant permission for the wheel to be in place from March to October every year from 2025 to 2028.

The committee voted in favour of the plans despite objections from Torbay Heritage Trust and concern from Historic England.

'Iconic'

The committee was told The Mellors Group, the international entertainments group behind the scheme, would contribute £110,000 for improvement works to Princess Gardens, first created in the 1890s.

Jon Pope, speaking at the meeting on behalf of Mellors, said the wheel was a "seasonal iconic feature" which offered a "unique panoramic view" of Torquay.

In its objection, Historic England said the wheel was "an obtrusive feature in the historic landscape and dominates views from the municipal gardens, eroding their character".

The committee heard previous money given by Mellors as part of the planning agreement had been used to repair the water fountain and the war memorial in the gardens.