Bats halt controversial wheel plans

York Museums Trust had to abort its plans to bring a big wheel back to the city after ecologists warned further studies were needed to establish the level of bat activity in the area around the proposed site.

The planning application to bring the 175ft observation wheel to the city’s Museum Gardens was withdrawn ahead of a York Council planning meeting today after concerns were raised following a “bat scoping survey”.

Further studies cannot now be carried out until mid-May as bats are still in hibernation.

York Museums Trust’s chief executive, Janet Barnes, said: “We are very disappointed having to withdraw the application at this late stage, however we understand entirely the need for a full bat survey.

“We will take time to consider the best way forward over the next few days.”

The scheme has provoked widespread opposition and English Heritage and the Dean of York, Keith Jones, expressed concerns the wheel would ruin views across to the city’s Minster.

But the application was backed by York Council’s planning officers, who claimed the attraction would bring the St Mary’s Abbey precinct back into use, and also help boost the city’s multi-million pound tourism industry.

A wheel had previously been sited at the National Railway Museum in Leeman Road, but it was dismantled in 2008 following poor visitor numbers during the winter months.