So incensed was the New Town and Broughton Community Council’s Planning Convener by proposals to erect a temporary London Eye-style Ferris wheel in Princes St Gardens this summer that he objected, despite the site falling outwith NTBCC’s allotted area.
John Knight criticised intrusion on views of the Castle and Old Town, and further commercialisation of the garden in contravention of the Council’s Management Plan. Objections were also made by the Old Town Community Council, Old Town Association, Cockburn Association and Edinburgh World Heritage.
Nonetheless, the ever-so-tasteful 53-metre, giant observation wheel with up to 42 fully enclosed and air-conditioned capsules, two ticket booths and a control booth (housed on the platform of the wheel) were approved by councillors earlier last week (Ref. 12/00696/FUL)
Supporters said it would provide a temporary, much-needed financial boost for the West End, and a bit of fun. Interestingly, all the Leith Walk candidates in the election hustings last month were in favour of it (Breaking news, 20.4.12). Councillor Blacklock, however, thriftily noted that she knew of six places close by in Edinburgh where you could get a better view for free.
Few observers of the observation wheel were surprised by the Planning decision: ‘Economic development wins every time over heritage and amenity,’ remarked one cynic.