PLANS to site a big wheel in the gardens of the Royal York Hotel have been criticised by residents of a nearby apartment block, who claim it will ruin their privacy.
Several owners and tenants in Westgate Apartments, in Leeman Road, have lodged formal objections with City of York Council to Great City Attractions Global Ltd’s planning application.
The Press revealed earlier this month how the hotel was the latest potential venue for the 53-metre wheel, after attempts to site it in North Street Gardens, St George’s Field car park and finally in the Museum Gardens behind York Art Gallery were all dashed following strong objections.
John Lowery, the firm’s UK operations manager, said then that the new wheel – if it was accepted by councillors – would allow York residents to see their magnificent city from an exciting new perspective and provide another reason for visitors to come to York.
But people living in the Westgate flats are more concerned about wheel passengers looking into their homes.
Andrew and Sara Jackson said the wheel would be in direct line of sight of their apartment’s sitting room and bedroom windows, spoiling one of the main features.
They claimed that with the sitting room blinds drawn back, passengers would be able to peer directly through the floor to ceiling windows - “a real infringement of privacy”.
Mr and Mrs Marlow said they deliberately selected an apartment that was not overlooked by anyone, and they appreciated the privacy this gave them. “The positioning of the wheel will allow the persons using this facility to have a direct view into our apartment throughout the day and well into the evening.”
D W Cairns said: “York is an historic town and should not be spoiled by showground-type rides in its centre.”
Another couple raised concerns about privacy, and also about light reflections from the wheel, an increase in traffic and the noise created by an estimated 200 additional people in the area.
They said they would seek to end their tenancy at Westgate as soon as possible if the scheme got the go-ahead.
Welcome for wheel
CHANGE can be difficult to accept, as the long-running saga of the York Wheel has illustrated perfectly.
We thought the issues might have been resolved by staging the wheel in the Royal York Hotel’s gardens, but now nearby flat dwellers claim it will ruin their privacy. And another complainant says York should not be spoiled by “showground-type” rides.
There will always be people who object to new development, whatever and wherever it is. But we think most in York will welcome the big wheel’s return.
Great City Attractions Global take the view it would allow tourists and residents to see the city from an exciting new perspective, and we agree.
The first wheel was enjoyed by thousands of visitors and while some might not want to see it here ever again, City of York Council should take care to listen to all views expressed, not only ones from those who resist change.
And for our part, we welcome its return.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel