Battle lines drawn over plans for ‘new London Eye’ at Camden Lock

Plans for a London Eye-style ferris wheel in Camden Lock Market have sparked controversy.

Campaign group Historic England is among those objecting to the 131ft-high wheel which would look out over a part of the Regent's Canal called Dead Dog Basin.

The scheme, being considered by Camden's planning committee on Thursday, includes a new exhibition space and shops as well as a new jetty with the "temporary observation wheel" set to be in place for five years if it gets the go-ahead.

The black metal wheel, described as having an "industrial appearance", will have 15 enclosed gondolas able to hold a dozen people each.

Historic England's evidence to the committee said it had concerns about the "height, bulk, scale and design of the wheel", adding: "At 40 metres high, the wheel is considered to be a tall building and would impact on the setting of heritage assets located some significant distance from the site."

They added that "given the size and likely cost of construction, it is entirely possible that if the wheel were successful as a tourist attraction, there could be future applications to extend the temporary period or make it permanent".

But Camden planning officers said if the wheel was a success "it would have fulfilled its aim which is to attract visitors, increase footfall and support the long-term future of Camden's markets which is of clear public benefit".

Among the scheme's other critics is Camden-based artist David Gentleman, who said it was an "appalling idea".

"The footfall is at its capacity now and to encourage more visitors interested in fairground and theme park activity is really bad planning," he said.

Maggie Milosavljevic, commercial director at LabTech which owns and runs Camden Market, said they wanted to "attract a wider range of customers" to the site.

She said: "The observation wheel, which is temporary for a five-year period, seeks to attract consumers that are interested in art, culture, and the history of Camden.

"The implementation of this cultural plan is a long-term ambition and also proposes the opening up to the public of the historic East Vaults and Dead Dog Basin for the first time, creating a new arts and exhibition space.

"This is in addition to over £7 million which LabTech has been investing in the historic buildings in Stables Market. We have received over 170 letters of support from residents, independent businesses and entrepreneurs recognising the benefits the project will bring."

The decision on the wheel will have to be referred to Mayor Sadiq Khan because it includes "the erection of a building of more than 30 metres high".