THE DEADLINE for people to make their thoughts known on a proposed observation wheel in Stratford has been extended.
People now have until June 15 to make comments after would-be operators De Koning Leisure Group Ltd added further details to their application.
The company has applied to Stratford District Council for permission to site a 34-metre wheel on the car park of the Recreation Ground for a six month period.
The location was chosen as it would be close to the river and theatre but the proposals have divided opinion with some arguing a wheel would be out of keeping with Shakespeare’s Stratford, while others believe it would help attract more visitors to the town.
Although the RSC has its own observational tower across the river, theatre bosses have not objected to the plans, but have suggested the long term impact on the landscape should not be affected by the structure and traffic and pedestrian congestion should be carefully managed.
The additional information from De Koning addresses areas of concern raised by objectors such as privacy, visual impact, lighting and traffic congestion.
They maintain the closest property would be some 50m away from the wheel and say nearby residents should not be worried as riders would be drawn to the views of the historic town across the river.
The company also argue the wheel’s visual impact to the heritage of the site is ‘highly subjective’ – adding: “It could be said the stylish and graceful outline of the wheel may temporarily complement the surrounding heritage assets.”
And De Koning claim the wheel will not be lit outside the operating hours of 10am to 10pm.
The Stop the Wheel campaigners raised the issue of pedestrian queuing, which they claimed could cause traffic issues around Swans Nest and the nearby footbridge.
In response, De Koning have suggested plans for crowd control and queuing including barriers.
Comments on the application -16/00562/FUL – can be made here.
