Observation wheel at Hoe Park, Armada Way The Hoe, Plymouth

What was proposed

A 34-metre observation wheel was proposed annually for four years, operating from 1 March to 30 September.

“Proposal Description The proposal is for the temporary siting of a wheel on a yearly basis for four years. The applicant has proposed that the wheel would be in place between 1st March - 30th September.”

“The proposed wheel would be approximately 34m in height and 33m in width. The wheel would sit on sleepers sitting on ground protection .”

Officer report

The site

The site is grassed Hoe Park within the conservation area and a Grade II Registered Park and Garden, near listed memorials and the Royal Citadel.

“Description of Site The site relates to a grassed area of the Hoe Park located to the east of Armada Way and north of the Promenade. The Hoe Park is a Grade II Registered Park and Garden and is situated with the Hoe Conservation Area. The site is surrounded by many listed memorials and is within the setting of The Royal Citadel Scheduled Ancient Monument. The site is also designated as city greenspace.”

Officer report

Earlier wheel applications

Earlier observation wheel applications were granted or refused, including a 2023 application for yearly temporary siting that was refused.

“11/00284/FUL - Erection of temporary 53 metre high observation wheel until 30 September 2011 (Granted Conditionally)”

“23/01795/FUL - Temporary siting of wheel on yearly basis (Refused).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, environmental health, defence, nature conservation and the Waterfront Partnership raised no objection or supported the proposal, while heritage and design consultees remained concerned.

“Environmental Health - Recommend approval.”

“Natural England - Do not consider that the proposed development will have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes, no objections raised.”

Officer report

Public concerns

An objector and a ward councillor raised concerns about public space, views, previous ground damage, access, the location and the four-year period.

“Representations One letter of representation has been received objecting to the proposal, raising the following concerns: - Removal of designated public space - Previous damage to the site from the placement of a wheel - Impact on the views of Plymouth Hoe - Four years is too long…”

“A councillor call-in was received outside the consultation period, the ward councillor requested this be treated as a letter of representation raising the following concerns: - Location of the wheel - Displacement of amenity area and change how people are able to access and use the area which plays an important role - Concerns of damage to the ground from wheel placement - effective ground protection or repair plan is required…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Sally Haydon spoke on behalf of the applicant, while council officers answered members’ questions about heritage and natural infrastructure.

The committee vote

Ten councillors voted for the application, with no votes against or abstentions; three councillors were absent or did not vote.

“For (10) Councillors: Freeman, Goslin, Loveridge, McNamara, P.Nicholson, Penrose, Simpson, Steel, Stevens and Tuohy.”

“Absent / Did Not Vote (3) Councillors: Bridgeman, Darcy and McCarty.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted permission conditionally and amended the Environmental Management Plan condition to cover dates and times when operation must cease.

“Following discussions, the Committee agreed to grant the application conditionally, subject to the amendment of condition 5, Environmental Management Plan, to include:”

Minutes