SCARBOROUGH’s seafront observation wheel has been given the go-ahead to operate on the site of the former Futurist Theatre for the next three summers.

Observation Wheel UK, which ran the 32-metre high wheel operated on the site throughout the summer of 2019, should have been operating the attraction from April before the coronavirus lockdown came into force.

The wheel is now up and running and Scarborough Council’s planning committee has approved an application that will allow it to remain on the site until October 31, extending the season to make up for the time missed.

The operator was also given permission to use the wheel from April 1 to October 31 in both 2021 and 2022.

The wheel is the same one as used last year, capable of carrying a maximum of 144 passengers with six people seated in each of its 24 enclosed gondolas.

New for 2020 is Captain Jack’s Adventure Golf, an 18-hole family golf course, next to the wheel.

The committee voted to allow the golf course to remain on-site all year round.

The plans were approved unanimously.