TRENTHAM Gardens managers have been forced to reapply for planning permission for their big wheel after having to bring in a different wheel at the last minute.

The £3.2 million attraction, which opened on December 12, was finally given the go-ahead by Stafford Borough Council in October after the first application was refused.

Planners decided to let the leisure complex erect the 50-metre high wheel temporarily for one year instead of two, after voicing concerns it would be out of place.

But by the time approval was granted the original wheel destined for the site had gone and another was brought in by World Tourist Attractions at the last minute.

And when engineers arrived to set it up they discovered the precise location specified in the plan was unsuitable, and instead placed it 18 metres to the south west.

The change of plan means Trentham Leisure has had to re-submit the plans for approval, with the possibility that councillors could say no to the new position and the centre would have to dismantle the wheel.

Mike Herbert, director of the Trentham Estate, said: "It's a technicality over a very minor detail. The wheel had to be moved to one side but nothing else has changed, the wheel is exactly the same type. In fact, it works better in its new position because it is screened better from residential properties.

"It all happened at the last minute and we didn't have time to correct the planning permission.

"We really needed to get the wheel in before Christmas, otherwise it wouldn't be financially viable to commence its operation until Spring next year.

"In theory the council could refuse the new planning application, but it would be difficult for them to do so because the only change is the location has moved 18 metres south west."

Mr Herbert said: "The wheel is proving a very popular attraction, we have steady queues for it.

"It's amazing how far you can see from the top, the views are lovely and I've spoken to visitors who said it's fantastic."

Bosses at the gardens hope the wheel, which carries up to 336 people in 42 pods, will boost visitor figures, currently standing at more than three million. The wheel, which is about half the size of the London Eye, stands to the south of the retail village and opens from 10am to 10pm seven days a week.

It costs adults £6.50 to enjoy the wheel experience.

The new planning application is expected to be considered by council planners in the new year.

A council spokesman said: "The company had their application for planning permission granted for 12 months.

"A new application has been submitted to the council for an amended position at the site and interested parties have the opportunity to comment until the end of December.

"If the item is 'called in' then a report with a recommendation from planning officers will be submitted and discussed by members of the development control committee."