Ambitious plans for a temporary ferris wheel on the seafront, dubbed the Brighton O, have been given a second chance after a decision on whether to give it the go ahead were deferred.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning officers last month recommended the plans for the 60m high wheel should be refused by councillors at this Wednesday’s committee meeting.
This was because the scheme would interfere with the proposed Brighton Eye observation tower – the i360 – which already has permission, and because it could be too noisy after 9pm, disturbing residents and guests of the Hotel Metropole opposite.
But the decision has now been deferred so further talks can take place.
Both the i360 architects Marks Barfield and the West Pier Trust are expressing concern that the 18 metre overlap could hamper work on the i360, which has planning permission.
Councillor Lynda Hyde, chairman of the planning committee, said: “We have decided to defer the Brighton ’O’ application until the 3rd February committee to give the applicants more time to resolve the issues with the neighbouring site and its overall impact.
“The i360 is an important major project for the city and will bring long-term benefits to the area. The developers of the i360 are concerned that as it stands the neighbouring scheme could make it hard for them to fulfil their planning obligations. Also some of the experts we consulted felt unable to make a full impact assessment because of a general lack of technical detail on the submitted plans, so it seems sensible to give it more time.”
As the plans stand there could be problems with construction traffic and machinery, with two developers working concurrently and that would be a valid reason for refusing the application.
The site, on the Lower Esplanade, east of the West Pier, is part of the Regency Square Conservation Area and close to the Grade I listed West Pier.
Approved in October 2006, the i360 project also includes the reinstatement of key listed features from the West Pier, such as the original Victorian toll booth.
Paramount Attractions has submitted the Brighton ‘O’ application for temporary (two year) planning permission for a spokeless observation wheel with 32 rotating gondolas or ‘pods.’
There are 50 objections and 95 letters of support. Those against feel it would be too overbearing, not in keeping with this part of the seafront and would cause too much noise and disturbance. Objectors feel the Brighton ‘O’ would have far more impact than the i360 which is designed as a slender shape and would be set back from the beach. Some think the wheel is a good idea, but in the wrong place.
Those in support say it will increase tourism, add a modern touch to the seafront and boost the economy.
Marks Barfield have concerns that the ‘O’ plans are too close to their development and overlap both their site and an area of land designated for landscaping by the council.
The West Pier Trust think that the new development could hamper work on the i360.
The Metropole have expressed concerns about noise nuisance and Brighton Sailing Club feel the area they have left to operate in is too restricted.
Conservation groups do not object to the scheme on the understanding it does not prejudice the i360 development.
