A large observation wheel is set to come back to a Windsor park temporarily this year.

The 35-metre tall wheel will be installed in Alexandra Gardens in time for opening to the public on March 22.

It will be open between 11am and 9pm on weekends and holidays, while during off-peak weekdays it will be in operation 1pm and 9pm.

However, it is only set to be a temporary attraction and is set to close on September 2.

It has been more than a decade since an observation wheel was last in the park.

Councillors of the Windsor and Ascot Development Management Committee approved the plans on January 4.

However, they were ultimately given the green light, some members voiced questions about the plans.

Raising concerns around the impact on residents, councillor Alison Carpenter said: “It’s supposed to be a beautiful area. I’m just worried that they will lose that, as there will be a big wheel when people are trying to have their picnics.”

Nevertheless, the potential economic benefits of the plan were cited as a key benefit of the wheel.

Councillor Carole Da Costa said: “I’ve been a Windsor resident long enough to remember the wheel that was there before, and people seemed to enjoy it. I think residents liked it being there and visitors liked it being there.”

Planning permission was granted for it to be put in place between March 15 and September 9 to allow time for setting up and dismantling the wheel.

The planning officers’ report reads: “The level of harm caused to the adjacent Conservation Area would be less than substantial. This harm would be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal which include benefits to the town’s economy from the increase in the visitor numbers to the area.”

A refreshment kiosk is also expected to be placed next to the wheel on a decked area.

The report adds: “Notwithstanding that the proposal is in a sensitive location, the proposal is for a temporary period only and considering the associated benefits to the local economy and town centre, the scheme is acceptable.

“The application complies with the relevant policies set out in the adopted Borough Local Plan.”

To find out more about this planning application, visit the RBWM planning portal with the reference 23/02104/FULL.