Southend viewing platform to go up next to City Wheel

City Wheel gives "sweeping views" over Southend city and the Thames Estuary, Adventure Island says

The owners of a fun park have been given permission to install a 40m (131ft) viewing platform next to a big wheel attraction.

Southend's Adventure Island opened the 36m (118ft) City Wheel in December, to celebrate the town getting city status.

Planning permission has been granted by Southend Council for the platform and retrospective permission granted for the wheel.

It is understood the tower could be installed by summer 2024.

Both applications were discussed at the council's development control committee meeting and were passed unanimously, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A number of rides, including a rollercoaster, feature at Adventure Island

Speaking before approval was granted, Philip Miller, owner of the seafront fun park, had said: "We were very keen to ensure the City Wheel was erected in the year of the celebration of Southend being awarded city status."

He added he had been working with the council to make it a permanent fixture and to "ensure all of the necessary reports and consents are put into place".

An "extensive, year-long ornithological survey" had taken place, he said.

• City pier sees record visitor numbers

• Court dismisses Southend winding-up petition

• Light festival celebrating city status could return

A heritage impact assessment said there would be a moderately detrimental impact on a view of the pier from Royal Terrace.

However, planning officers said the wheel would be "a significant visitor attraction" and provide the equivalent of five full-time jobs.