Big wheel could be torn down in planning row
THE 100ft-tall Ferris wheel at Barry Island Pleasure Park faces being ripped down after the council said it was erected without planning permission.
Owner Henry Danter installed the eye-catching attraction at Barry Island Pleasure Park last month to replace the former Barry High on the site at Paget Road.
But now, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has told him the wheel may have to be torn down after he didn’t get planning permission.
In a letter to Mr Danter the council refers to “unauthorised developments” including the “installation of a Ferris wheel” which they say “requires the benefit of planning permission”.
The letter also raises concerns about “resurfacing of the funfair” and “engineering works”.
It continues: “As no such permission has been sought or granted the development is unauthorised and in breach of planning control.”
It adds: “Failure to resolve this breach of planning within 28 days given may result in formal enforcement action being pursued.”
But Mr Danter said he had fully complied with all regulations as he believed he was working under the Amusement Park Guidelines of 1947, which he says doesn’t require planning permission.
“It’s very disappointing,” he said. “We work under the amusement guidelines. According to the act as we see it, we’re within our rights. I don’t understand it. I can’t see what all the fuss is about.”
Mr Danter said his plans for millions of pounds of redevelopment may now have to be put on hold.
He said: “Until we sort this out they’ll be no investment. It’s killed the passion I had. The work that’s done and the improvements so far, the council aren’t thanking us at all. The future is uncertain now.”
In a statement, the Vale of Glamorgan council said it “will continue to try and work with the site owner to resolve these issues” and “would welcome the submission of a planning application for the ferris wheel”.
A spokesman said: “The installation of most equipment and rides associated with the funfair are permitted under Part 25 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995 (as amended).
“However, the order stipulates that planning permission is required for the installation of machinery over 25m in height and the new wheel that has been erected falls into this category.
“The council is obliged to investigate breaches of planning control no matter who might be breaching those regulations and informing the site owner of such breaches is part of that process.
“It is important to note that alongside regulations such as the Amusements Act, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is also applicable and in developing the site Mr Danter should be adhering to the requirements of all relevant legislation. A meeting was arranged with Mr Danter but had to be cancelled at short notice due to illness. This will now be rearranged so the matter can be discussed further.
“While it is open to the council to take enforcement action against any unauthorised development, to date none has been taken in relation to this site. Instead the council will continue to try and work with the site owner to resolve these issues. In this spirit, we would welcome the submission of a planning application for the Ferris wheel to ensure it is safely positioned and adequate surface water drainage provided.
“So far, no planning applications for any of the unauthorised developments on the site have been forthcoming despite Mr Danter having been made aware of the breaches of planning control on previous occasions.”