ADVENTURE Island bosses are pushing on with plans for a 40-metre tall viewing platform offering stunning views of Southend, to sit next to its City Wheel.

The City Wheel opened in December to a trumpet fanfare and has been a huge hit.

Now, theme park bosses are hoping to build the new viewing platform, which would be even taller than the big wheel.

It is set to be installed by summer 2024. However, amusement park bosses are yet to finalise details.

The viewing platform will be debated next week at Southend Council’s development control committee, alongside a retrospective planning application on the City Wheel.

Adventure Island owner Philip Miller was so keen to get the City Wheel up and running he took the chance of installing it before securing planning permission.

He said the 36-metre wheel was installed to mark some major events in Southend.

Mr Miller added: “We were very keen to ensure the City Wheel was erected in the year of the celebration of Southend being awarded city status.

“We have been working with Southend Council over the last year to ensure all of the necessary reports and consents are put into place.

“This has included an extensive, year-long ornithological survey and habitat regulation given the sensitivities of the nearby foreshore. We are also very keen to see that the City Wheel remains a permanent fixture on Southend city skyline. We look forward to next week’s planning committee and hope the council supports the officers’ recommendation to ensure this attraction becomes a permanent fixture and beacon of the city of Southend.”

The part-retrospective application, which is recommended for approval, drew some criticism from residents who said the height of the attractions were excessive and “impacted on views”. There were also concerns about light pollution and lack of consultation with residents in the wider area.

A heritage impact assessment said there would be a moderately detrimental impact on a view of the pier from Royal Terrace but planning officers said the wheel would be “a significant visitor attraction” and provide the equivalent of five full time jobs.

The plan will be discussed on Wednesday.

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