A 36-metre (115ft) ferris wheel will overlook Windsor Castle this summer under council plans which have dismayed some locals.
The wheel is set to be installed in Alexandra Gardens from March to September this year, after plans were approved, just 400 metres away from the 950-year-old royal castle.
Roses Pleasure Parks submitted proposals for the attraction, which could hold 144 people at full capacity as it takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete two rotations.
“We think it would make a great addition to the Royal Windsor skyline and provide magnificent views for people across Windsor and the surrounding countryside,” Roses said in a statement.
“We have studied previous big wheel installations and their location in Alexandra Gardens and some of the feedback from such an installation.
“One of the previous installations positioned the wheel across the main thoroughfare of the gardens, essentially blocking it from public access and more importantly, obstructing the view of the castle from a central point.”
The proposals state that adults would be charged £8 for the ride and £6 for children.
Roses estimates it would make £209,563.20 for a five per cent occupancy and £4,191,264 for a 100 per cent occupancy.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are set, in turn, to take a share of the income.
Approval was granted in January after councillors decided the merits were enough to outweigh the concerns that some locals raised.
The Windsor and Eton Society wrote: “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.
“The height of the proposed wheel at 35m would result in wheel users overlooking properties in the nearby Bridgewater Terrace and the noise would adversely affect and harm the residents' amenity.”
The statement added that along with the ice rink, that is also sometimes at the site, the changes would result in “almost continuous disturbance” for the whole year.
“It is my view that the proposed development is wholly inappropriate for the gardens,” wrote James Cannon, who lives in the nearby Bridgewater Terrace.
“The proposed development 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.”
A statement from the planning officer said: “The level of harm caused to the adjacent Conservation Area would be less than substantial.
“This harm would be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal which include benefits to the town’s economy from the increase in the visitor numbers to the area.”
