Ferris wheel stretching 115ft high sparks fury after plans to build attraction just 400m from Windsor Castle

Ferris wheel stretching 115ft high sparks fury after plans to build attraction just 400m from Windsor Castle

Residents have complained about proposals to build a new ferris wheel near Windsor Castle

GB News
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 16/02/2024

- 12:41

Updated: 16/02/2024

- 12:42

Neighbours are worried about noise from the potential new structure

Plans for a new ferris wheel have caused uproar among residents in Windsor who say the "noisy" structure would "spoil their views".

Proposals have been lodged with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM) for a wheel to be erected 400m away from Windsor Castle.


The new ferris wheel would be build in time for Easter and would be open between 11am-9pm from March to September this year.

Residents argue that the structure in Alexandra Gardens would disrupt the ares and block views of the 950-year-old castle.

Windsor Castle

Plans for a new ferris wheel have caused uproar among residents in Windsor who say the 'noisy' structure would 'spoil their views'

RBWM/ Getty

Operators, Roses Pleasure Parks, are set to charge £8 for adults and £6 for children.

According to planning documents, the attraction would bring "significant" economic benefits to the town.

They said: "Alexandra Gardens is uniquely positioned alongside the Coach Park and railway station in that it is seen by residents and visitors to Windsor using public transport, as well as members of the public on foot.

"Any attraction built in Alexandra Gardens is a great draw to the visiting public and we feel an Observation Wheel will draw a lot of tourists to Alexandra Gardens, during the summer months, as it will offer a unique view of the town of Windsor and the Castle itself that cannot otherwise be seen from the ground.

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"Along with benefits to the Council this will also benefit local businesses from the increased footfall to the area."

The Windsor and Eton Society has lodged an an objection with the council.

"Many people bring balls and picnics to enjoy in this park - a pleasant recreational, leisure and green space in the centre of Windsor, immediately adjacent to the Windsor Town Centre Conservation Area.

"Permitting this proposal would also adversely affect the setting of nearby Heritage Assets and views of the Castle both from near and far."

Residents argue that the structure in Alexandra Gardens would disrupt the ares and block views of the 950-year-old castle

RBWM

"The height of the proposed wheel at 35m would result in overlooking of properties in close by Bridgewater Terrace and the noise would adversely affect and harm the residents' amenity."

Many residents claim they learnt of the plans through "word of mouth" and posters.

"I am slightly surprised that the neighbouring properties were not informed directly about this application?" James Cannon, who lives on nearby Bridgewater Terrace told the Daily Mail.

"In any case, it is my view that the proposed development is wholly inappropriate for the gardens."

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