Observation wheel at Recreation Ground Car Park Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon

What was proposed

An observation wheel and associated equipment would operate for six months each year for five years, with limited installation and dismantling time.

“Application Ref. 26/00355/FUL Site Address: Recreation Ground Car Park, Swans Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon Description of Development: Installation and operation of an observation wheel with associated equipment on part of the Recreation Ground car park for a continuous period of six months between March and September in each calendar year, for a temporary period of five years, with up to five days installation and up to five days dismantling each year.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

Officers identified some temporary harm to openness, townscape and heritage assets but considered public, economic and social benefits greater.

“In accordance with Core Strategy policy CS.5 the siting of the wheel on the existing car park and away from the more open areas of the Recreation Ground would help to mitigate the impact on the landscape and quality of the character. Whilst the development would result in some harm the open nature of the recreation ground and the character of the Area of Restraint, demonstrable community benefits would result from the leisure development.”

“Notwithstanding the harm identified due to the siting, size and design of the wheel I consider there are economic and social benefits associated with the wheel as it will enhance the visitor experience and that it will reinforce the Town’s identity. In accordance with NPPF paragraph 215, I consider that the public benefits would out-weigh the harm caused by the proposal.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, environmental health, conservation, ecology, planning, police and other consultees raised no objection, with some conditions or notes proposed.

“Warwickshire County Council Highways (WCC Highways) No objection (31.03.2026)”

“SDC Environmental Health (EHO) No objection subject to the suggested conditions relating to operating hours, amplified / live music, lighting and site management plan (18.03.2026)”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke with the applicant present to answer committee questions.

Committee consideration

The committee considered the application and representations before a motion to grant was proposed and seconded in line with the recommendation.

“Having considered the application and the representations made at the meeting, a Motion of GRANT, in accordance with the recommendation detailed in the report and the update to Condition 10 as detailed in the Update Sheet, was proposed by Councillor Adam and seconded by Councillor Ballinger.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted with the report’s 10 conditions, the updated tenth condition and eight notes, with detailed wording delegated to officers.

“That Planning Application 26/00355/FUL be GRANTED subject to the following (the detailed wording of which be delegated to Officers):”

“10 conditions contained in the report, with the update to Condition 10 as detailed in the Update Sheet; and • 8 notes contained in the report.”

Minutes