Lambeth Council’s planning committee has confirmed the lastminute.com London Eye tourist attraction can remain on London’s South Bank.
At a committee meeting held earlier this week, councillors voted unanimously to support a recommendation from officers to discharge a condition attached to the 2003 planning permission that required the local planning authority to decide whether the attraction could be retained beyond 2028.
The decision was reached following the submission of a report for London Eye operator Merlin Entertainments co-ordinated by Lichfields which assessed the continued acceptability of the Eye in its current location. The report found the tourist attraction generates £143m GVA per annum within London and supports more than 200 direct jobs.
Scott O’Neil, chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments, said: “[This is] a landmark decision for a landmark attraction. The London Eye is both the centrepiece of Merlin’s central London offering and visitors’ itineraries, drawing millions to the South Bank each year to enjoy unrivalled views of the capital.”
“It is impossible to imagine the London skyline without the iconic structure of the London Eye, and with its long-term future secure, we will continue to invest and expand Merlin’s presence in this great city, which is one of our key gateway clusters. We will work closely with key partners locally, including the re-elected mayor Sadiq Khan, to further boost London’s attractiveness to both international and domestic visitors, offering them experiences that bring joy and everlasting memories.”
Nick Thompson and Hannah Whitney, who led Lichfields’ work, added: “We are very pleased with the decision and having advised on this project for 25 years seen it become such a popular feature providing many benefits for the local area, London and the UK. We are delighted that it will be in place for future generations to enjoy.”
