Bid to overturn 'Eye' rejection

What the wheel in Greenwich could look like

A charity which has proposed plans to have a version of the London Eye in Greenwich is appealing against the council's decision to reject the plans.

The Greenwich Foundation, which manages the Old Royal Naval College, wants to have a 55m (180ft) wheel on its grounds during the summer.

It says the wheel will give people a different perspective of Greenwich.

But Greenwich Council says a wheel in the area is not suitable for the area and could ruin the skyline.

It also said it was not in keeping with the nearby historic plans.

'Different perspective'

A Greenwich Council spokesperson said: ""The Planning Board resolved to refuse the application at the meeting on 22 February.

"It was considered that at 55 metres in height and diameter the tall structure would be highly visible and would detrimentally affect the appearance and setting of the surrounding listed buildings, World Heritage Site and Greenwich Park Conservation Area."

But Williams, from the Greenwich Foundation, said: "It will give people a different perspective literally and metaphorically on this part of Greenwich.

"You are right on the oxbow of the river, you can see right over to the Lee Valley and up to Tower Bridge... and you can take all of that in, in a relatively short trip, about 20 minutes."

The London Eye carries about 15,000 visitors a day, is 135 metres (443ft) high and has 32 capsules.

It was named the top tourist attraction in Europe by an online travel company in July.