Terror fear of objector over move for Whey Aye Wheel
‘ANOTHER LEE RIGBY’ WARNING TO PLANNERS
AN objector claims “it won’t take much for another Lee Rigby” to happen if The Whey Aye is built.
And others fear the £100m development, which could create hundreds of jobs, could harm nesting kittiwakes.
They are among dozens of objections to the proposed Spillers Quay project, which would boast Europe’s tallest observation wheel.
Developers say they hope planning permission could be granted as early as next month, with the construction process starting soon after.
But some neighbours want it scrapped, with concerns ranging including parking, noise and crime.
One local fears the 140-metre-high wheel could even be used by terrorists.
The objector states the site’s location “could not be worse” due to its close proximity to Anzio House, the 5th Battalion of Royal Regiment Fusiliers’ HQ.
“If the views from the wheel are going to be as vast as the proposal states they are then anyone on it will have a clear view of the whole of the facility,” the objector states in an objection to Newcastle City Council.
The person claims that would make the base – in which uniformed MOD officials frequently enter and exit – an “incredibly soft target”.
“It would take very little to plan and execute an attack on the same level as the attack against Lee Rigby,” the objector concludes.
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were jailed for life after driving into Fusilier Rigby before publicly hacking him to death.
The World Wheel Company, the firm behind the project, say it has “taken on board the concerns”.
But the majority of complainants claim parking could cause the biggest headache should the plans come to fruition.
And some fear the site – which could include bars and restaurants – may take trade away from Ouseburn Valley.
However, there have also been a string of letters of support from locals.
“This is a great project providing jobs for the city at a much needed time,” wrote one.
“Inward investment, jobs, land regeneration and a great new landmark for the region. What’s not to like?”
According to at least 50 residents, however, there are “significant concerns” about the site which they raised at a residents’ meeting last month.
Minutes show those fears relate to transport, crime, litter, anti-social behaviour and noise.
One complained the “voluminous” planning application was too big for the public to read properly.
But the main gripe appeared to be parking. Many raised concerns that 172 parking spaces wouldn’t be enough.
One local fears “that if parking were chargeable on Spillers, then visitors would migrate to our neighbourhood for free parking”.
Despite that, Phil Lynagh, CEO of developer the World Wheel Company, said the firm is taking steps to ensure parking won’t be an issue.
And he said it had enjoyed “good positive feedback” from many people about the development.
Mr Lynagh said: “It isn’t like we are changing anything – it is a derelict site.
“We’ve had some really good conversations with people who live there.
“There’s no loss involved here. We are not knocking down a school or a hospital.”
But Jon Bryan, who chaired the St Peter’s Neighbourhood Association meeting last month, said he was “overwhelmed” by the objections from within the community.
A Fifth Fusiliers representative said: “We do not make comment on responses, whether objecting or supporting, by individuals.”