Torquay big wheel puts council in a spin over its future

The contentious issue of whether the large wheel on Torquay seafront can continue operating will be presented to councillors again next week.

The Mellors Riviera Wheel, next to the Princess Theatre, has been a fixture for over a decade. Its owners must apply for permission each summer season to erect it.

Last year, planning officers at Torbay Council advised the planning committee to reject the application due to the perceived damage it inflicts on nearby 'heritage assets', including Princess Gardens with its fountain, paths, gardens and war memorial.

This recommendation sparked an uproar, particularly from the local tourism sector which argued the observation wheel is a key attraction for visitors. A campaign was launched by locals to retain the wheel, with a local MP also voicing his support.

Eventually the planning committee concluded that the wheel's global recognition, evidenced by thousands of social media photos and its central role in a recent Bollywood blockbuster, outweighed any potential harm.

Now, Mellors is once again before the council, seeking approval for another four summers of the 45-metre wheel. This time, council officers are recommending approval.

Last year, planning officers argued the harm had started to surpass the benefits of its presence, labelling it as 'alien and intrusive'.

However, this year they have given their approval, and Mellors plans to invest £110,000 over the next four years to resurface paths in the neighbouring gardens, as a means of compensating for any damage caused by their wheel.

The firm has already invested tens of thousands of pounds in park enhancements as part of the conditions set by previous planning permissions.

A comprehensive report detailing the advantages and disadvantages of the wheel, which includes its own ticket office and catering unit, will be reviewed by members of the planning committee.

While Torbay Heritage Trust is vehemently opposed to the project, Historic England has expressed 'strong concerns'. The council's principal historic environment officer believes a different location would be more suitable for the wheel.

However, the English Riviera BID tourism company is strongly in favour of the wheel, and it also has the backing of the Torbay Neighbourhood Forum.