Scarborough Big Wheel Granted Two-Year Extension for Continuous Operation

The Scarborough and Whitby Area Planning Committee has unanimously approved plans to allow a 32-metre-high Ferris wheel and an accompanying 18-hole adventure golf course to operate year-round on the Scarborough seafront for the next two years.

The decision, made at a meeting on Thursday, November 13, means the attractions, located on the cleared brownfield site of the former Futurist Theatre, will operate continuously until October 2027.

Observation Wheel UK, the provider, sought permission for the continuous use of the observation wheel and adventure golf course on Foreshore Road, replacing the previous seasonal arrangement which restricted operation to March through October.

Planning officers for North Yorkshire Council had recommended the application be granted, noting that a temporary permission until 31 October 2027 was considered "reasonable in light of the continued economic benefit and the likely lengthy lead-in time required for the permanent regeneration of the Futurist site". The continuation of the existing tourist and leisure facilities is supported in principle by Local Plan policy, which encourages tourism diversification and reducing the seasonal nature of the industry.

Councillors acknowledged the positive economic impact of the attraction but some expressed aspirations for the location’s long-term future.

Councillor Rick Maw shared his view on the site’s potential, stating:

"We've just extended the ferris wheel for another 2 years and as as good as that might be, that particular site deserves so much more than a fairground attraction.

I was absolutely devastated when we lost a futurist and I will be putting all efforts in to make sure that we secure something way better in the future than a fairground attraction."

The proposal was judged by planners to cause "less-than-substantial harm" to the setting of adjacent heritage assets, including the adjacent Scarborough Conservation Area and nearby Listed Buildings. However, this "modest harm" was deemed by officers to be outweighed by the "significant public benefits" of maintaining the vitality and economic use of the prominent brownfield site pending its long-term redevelopment.

Councillor Janet Jefferson spoke in favour of the applicant and the temporary approval:

"The person that provides the wheel is very conscious of residents. He's restricts times. He doesn't have lights on the site, so it affects the people of visibility behind. And they do contribute to to events within the town. They're they're very able applicant.

I have no hesitation in recommending that we accept it for 2 years. Hopefully sometime there will be an application and let's see if we can put a theatre back."

The approval for continuous, year-round operation was granted subject to several conditions. The daily opening hours for both the 32-metre high observation wheel and the adventure golf course are restricted to 11:00 to 21:30. Furthermore, strict conditions regarding lighting require that

"Any lights, including feature or security lighting, on the west-facing side of the observation wheel structure and ancillary equipment... that face residential properties on Prospect Place or King Street, shall remain switched off at all times when the wheel is operational".

This measure is intended to protect the amenities of residents on Prospect Place and King Street.

Though no objections were raised by local residents or the Environmental Health team, concerns were raised by the Highway Authority regarding safety in the surrounding area. The Highway Authority noted that the tactile crossing adjacent to the application site was temporarily removed during the demolition of the Futurist Theatre and that the "existing crossing arrangement is prejudicial to the safety and convenience of highway users".

As a result, planning consent was conditioned on mandatory off-site highway mitigation works. Planning officers confirmed that the Highway Authority deemed it essential that the crossing point be appropriately reinstated, including the "Provision of tactile paving at the existing pedestrian crossing point... on Foreshore Road" and the "Provision of a central crossing reserve island". The requirement aims to ensure safe facilities for those needing tactile crossing and to act as a physical barrier to prevent dangerous 'U-turns' by vehicles outside the site.