Locals living around Windsor Castle are furious after plans were submitted to build a huge ferris wheel next to the royal residence. Roses Pleasure Parks have lodged plans with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council to build the 115 ft-high wheel.
Having been recently approved, it would be up in Alexandra Gardens from March to September of this year.
But those living in the nearby area are angry, saying the wheel will be noisy, impact their quality of life, and spoil views of the 11th-century castle.
The wheel could hold up to 144 people and Roses Pleasure Parks are planning on charging adults £8 and children £6 for a three-rotation trip which would last around 20 minutes. It would be open 11am to 9pm on weekends and school holidays and from 1pm to 9pm during off-peak weekdays.
Roses Pleasure Parks said in their planning permission applications that the wheel would bring significant economic benefits to the royal town.
They said: “Alexandra Gardens is uniquely positioned alongside the Coach Park and railway station in that it is seen by residents and visitors using public transport, as well as members of the public on foot.
“We feel an Observation Wheel will draw a lot of tourists during the summer months as it will offer a unique view of the town of Windsor and the Castle that cannot be seen from the ground.”
The company expects to generate between £209,563.20 and £4,191,264, depending on occupancy, over the 22-week operating period. The royal borough would also get a share of revenue.
The Windsor and Eton Society lodged an objection with the council, saying the wheel would ruin the “pleasant recreational, leisure and green space” and “adversely affect the setting of nearby Heritage Assets and views of the Castle”.
The society added that the wheel, its height, light, and noise, would disturb locals who already have to deal with an ice rink and fairground through the winter months.
James Cannon, who lives on nearby Bridgewater Terrace, said: “The proposed development is wholly inappropriate for the gardens. It takes up a significant amount of space, right in front of the bandstand, and would impact the ability of people to use and enjoy the gardens as they currently do.”
Sally Shanly, who also lives on Bridgewater Terrace, said the plans were a “self-serving and ill-conceived, destructive plan for Windsor” and that many locals had learnt of the plans through “word of mouth”.
Roses Pleasure Parks have been approached for comment.
