Plans to erect a giant Ferris wheel on Troon’s historic shorefront for the next two summer seasons have been approved.
The Ferris wheel, dubbed the Troon Eye, proved a hit with visitors to the Ayrshire town when it became operational in April.
Now the man behind the attraction, Byron McIndoe, has secured permission from South Ayrshire Council’s planning department which will allow him to set up the 32-metre wheel near the South Beach Esplanade in 2023 and 2024.
Conditions have been attached to planning consent, though.
The approval for the Ferris wheel is limited to between 10am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday, from April 1 and September 30, 2022; April 1 and September 30, 2023 and April 1 to September 30, 2024.
After these periods, the structure will then be removed from the site and the land “restored to its former condition” to the "satisfaction of the planning authority".
South Ayrshire Council planning papers state: “Although it is recognised that the Ferris wheel, due to its location and proposed height, will be very prominent within the streetscape and wider locale, it is considered that the temporary nature of the proposal will ensure that the character and amenity of the locale will be safeguarded, subject to a condition which ensures that the Ferris wheel is removed from the site at the end of each period.
“It is considered that the proposed development will have a neutral impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area at this location given that the Ferris wheel is to be sited within an existing established play area/fair site, is for a temporary period, and is temporary in nature.”
The report concludes: “Overall, there are no policy objections to this proposal and it is considered that the development does not detract from the character or appearance of the conservation area, or introduce any adverse amenity issues given its temporary nature.
“Given the above and having balanced the applicant’s rights against the general interest, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.”
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