Big wheel could return to town's gardens next month

The big wheel in Windsor could return to the town centre next month if plans are approved by councillors next week.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead councillors are set to decide whether to grant temporary planning permission for an "observation wheel" in Alexandra Gardens.

A wheel was also allowed between March and September last year, and an ice rink has been allowed to operate in the winter months.

But some Windsor residents have told the council these leave the gardens "unusable by the community for months at a time".

The Windsor and Eton Society said it has "concerns regarding the state that the gardens are left in" by the wheel and the ice rink.

"These gardens are left unusable by the community for months during this usage and after they have been removed until the grass has been re-laid," it said.

But Roses Pleasure Parks, which would operate the wheel, said it would be a "great draw to the visiting public" and "offer a unique view of the town of Windsor and the castle".

It added: "This will also benefit local businesses from the increased footfall to the area and increased trade in the town."

The Daniel department store on Peascod Street wrote in support of the application, saying it would boost business.

It said: "Retailing this last year has been extremely challenging for many retailers and therefore any footfall drivers such as their observation wheel would be most welcomed."

Councillors on the Royal Borough's Windsor and Ascot development management committee are set to decide whether to grant permission on 3 April.

If approved, the wheel could be installed from 6 April and be open from 11 April to 14 September.

Council planning officers are recommending that they vote to approve planning permission.

They say any harm caused by the development would be "outweighed by the public benefits" including "benefits to the town centre's economy from the increase in the visitor numbers".

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.