Planners oppose big wheel scheme

Planners recommend rejection of a "London Eye" for Norwich

Proposals for a "London Eye" viewing wheel in Norwich city centre are being opposed by council planners.

Backers of the idea believe a big wheel would boost local business but Norwich City Council officers are recommending the plans are refused.

Planners said a wheel would spoil views and get in the way of pedestrians.

Councillors are expected to decide next Thursday on the scheme put forward by managers of the award-winning Norwich building The Forum.

The Forum management have already started collecting the names of people who want to ride on the big wheel which would be set up on a large open area in front of The Forum, in the centre of Norwich.

The council has received letters from 28 local businesses saying the wheel would be good for trade.

But of 72 letters from residents, 64 are against the idea.

The wheel would be 55 metres high and would be in place for four months over the next three summers.