OPPONENTS to plans to bring a zip wire to Brighton’s seafront say they fear there will be “excessive screaming” from thrill-seeking customers.

Planning permission is expected to be granted next Wednesday for the 300 metre long Brighton Zip at the former home of the Brighton Wheel.

Supporters have welcomed the attraction as a regeneration boost for Madeira Drive labelling it “a sporty alternative to the i360”, but others are worried about noise from screaming customers and shoes and coins falling onto promenaders below.

The attraction’s applicants, Paramount Entertainment, has been offered a 25 year lease for the site from next spring.

It had been hoped the attraction, with a 22.5 metre tower by the Volk’s Railway Aquarium station and two wires leading to a landing point opposite the southern end of Lower Rock Gardens, could open this summer but delays in the planning process have pushed that back.

A single storey building containing a ticket office, shop and lockers and a two storey “contemporary” 140-cover restaurant café with an open terrace are also proposed.

Up to 32,000 people are expected to take the thrill ride though the British weather is expected to keep it closed for around 15 per cent of the year.

It is anticipated that tourism season staffing levels for the zip wire and cafe will hit a peak of 74.

Nine letters of objections complain about the health and safety risk of objects falling onto people below, concerns over distracted motorists, the impact on neighbouring food outlets, excessive noise and its intrusion on sea views from Marine Parade.

But opposition has been outweighed by 70 letters of support welcoming the regeneration benefits and how it will complement neighbouring businesses including Yellowave Beach Sports and the proposed open air swimming pool.

Backers of the scheme include VisitBrighton who wrote in their submission: “The proposed Brighton Zip will add a new and novel attraction to the seafront which will encourage visitor spend will help attract and support tourism outside of the main season.

“The facility may encourage visitors to extend their stay or indeed act as a stimulus for instigating a trip to the city.”