Worthing seafront big wheel given green light

The return of a big wheel in Worthing has been approved by council planners.

The 44m (144ft) observation wheel will be based on the seafront between the pier and lido, opposite Montague Place.

Worthing Borough Council (WBC) said the West Sussex attraction - which would offer "unique views" of the seaside and surrounding areas - could be up and running from 7 April.

It is set to operate from March to November, between 10:00 and 22:00, until 2028 under the plans.

WBC said it would begin preparing the promenade for the installation in the coming days, fencing off areas to ensure the wheel could be safely delivered and assembled.

Concerns were previously raised that the wheel's height could negatively impact several listed buildings nearby and encroach on the privacy of neighbouring residents.

However, a council planning document said the benefits of bringing visitors to the town centre and seafront would outweigh the "limited harm" of the wheel.

A same-sized wheel was granted planning permission in 2024, while a 46m (150.9ft) high one was approved in 2019.

WBC's planning committee voted six to one in favour of the move.

It comes as Eastbourne Borough Council announced the seaside town is due to get its own observation wheel, which it called a "big crowd pleaser".

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