Big wheel wins council approval

There will be a big wheel on Plymouth Hoe in peak season for the next four years, after an application won approval from Plymouth Council.

The observation wheel will run from March until September, despite concerns from heritage experts and the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum that it will impact on the area’s many listed memorials and monuments.

The attraction is 34 metres high and 33 metres wide.

A big wheel is currently on the Hoe until September 1.

Objections to the council cited concerns about loss of a designated public space, impact on the views of Plymouth Hoe and the proposed location of the wheel within the setting of The Royal Citadel Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Councillors requested that a condition be put in place to restrict the wheel’s operation during sensitive events.

The application was unanimously supported by the planning committee.