Decision due over Parker’s Piece observation wheel

The future of a giant observation wheel in Cambridge is set to be decided next week.

A planning application has been made for the ride to return to Parker’s Piece for the next four summers.

However, concerns have been raised by some over the impact the big wheel has on people living nearby, and the land it is set up on.

Councillors at Cambridge City Council are due to meet on Tuesday (June 14) to decide whether to grant permission for the wheel to return for the next four years.

An application has been submitted asking for permission to have the observation wheel based on Parker’s Piece between March 22 and September 10, and to be open to the public between April 1 and August 31, each year for the next four years.

Temporary permission for one year was granted last November. The observation wheel when set up stands at 36 metres tall, and has 24 covered gondolas.

The application has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions, by city council planning officers.

A report prepared ahead of the planning meeting said: “As the wheel would be temporary, the heritage harm would also be temporary.

“The proposed wheel would act as a tourist attraction that would bring economic benefits to the neighbouring businesses and the city centre as a whole.”