SEAFRONT residents fumed after a council approved plans for a 46 metre-high wheel.

The Worthing Observation Wheel, voted through six to one last night, will sit on the promenade opposite Montague Place.

The council has leased the wheel for three years when it will operate for six to nine months between April and October.

Though the planning committee spoke of the economic benefits it would bring to Worthing, residents who live opposite the wheel said they were concerned about their privacy.

Paul Crone, representing 41 Marine Parade, said it would “loom over” seafront apartments at three times the height of most buildings along the promenade.

Kitty Edwards, of Beaulieu Court, claimed she felt “overcome with gloom” at the thought of the wheel’s 36 gondolas “dangling” outside her windows.

She said: “Three years is not temporary. The reality is we will all suffer.”

Ms Edwards added she feared the wheel was a “health and safety risk” as strong winds flowing through Montague Place could cause it to fall over.

Cllr Jim Deen, who voted against the plans, thought the wheel’s position on the seafront would create congestion, claiming 1,500 people would clog up the promenade from the wheel alone.

But the wheel’s supporters claimed it would bring a financial boost to a town in need of new attractions.

Developer Jan deKoning said the wheel would “bring economic benefits” - with the added bonus that his company will pay for its construction and upkeep.

Cllr Kevin Jenkins, who is in charge of development, said: “There is a huge cry to move Worthing on to bring our town into the 21st century.

“This application is just one of the building blocks for our renaissance. It will bring people into Worthing who will use our facilities.”

Planning committee chairman councillor Paul Yallop added footfall in the town last year was down 15 per cent, making new tourist attractions important in reviving Worthing’s high street.

He said: “My feeling is that we need this. We need the people it will bring. Town centres are desperate at the moment.

“On balance I believe it is something that should be approved.”

After the plans were approved, seafront residents voiced their anger outside the meeting.

Barry McGrath fumed: “The wheel will not make people come here. The people, especially young people, want new shops, not a big wheel.

“If it was right at the end of the beach it would be different, but it’s right outside our balconies.”