A towering Ferris wheel in the middle of a Kent shopping centre would invade the privacy of nearby homes and a nursery, it is feared.

Planning permission is being sought for the 33 metre-high structure at the Ashford Designer Outlet, where it would be in position for six months of the year over the next five years.

The ride would feature 24 gondolas and be installed next to the existing play area on seven disabled parking spaces, which would be relocated elsewhere.

But concerns have been raised that the height of the attraction would allow people to overlook properties close by, including the Cherrytree Nursery School.

Bosses there fear those on the wheel will be able to peer into their grounds, jeopardising the safety of its 108 pupils - some of whom have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A spokesperson for the nursery, based in Wainwright Place, said: “Cherrytree Nursery School prioritises putting children first. The observation wheel will be at a height and placement that will directly look over our building and our wide-open outdoor play space.

"The nursery believes that vulnerable families should be safe to attend, including those fleeing domestic violence and others who may be concerned that court orders to prevent access, or details regarding attendance, are all put at risk due to a vanity project.

"[We were] only contacted about the proposal as a ‘neighbour’, not in the context as an educational establishment on the doorstep and the nursery was conveniently not mentioned in the proposal details in any form.

"Cherrytree Nursery School is also open over the school holidays in addition to term time; therefore, stating that the observation wheel is seasonal will still have a significant negative impact.

"The observation wheel at the designer outlet at first seems like an asset to the area, however its precise placement is set to be a disaster for traffic, invasion of privacy for those in the neighbourhood, and has the potential to put children in danger.

"Hopefully, the observation wheel’s placement will be more thoroughly considered and the current proposal rejected, as common sense dictates it must.”

The plans, submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) earlier this year, revealed the wheel would be open to the public seven days a week.

London-based Montagu Evans, which has lodged the proposal on behalf of McArthurGlen, insists the ride would complement the rest of the centre and not be an attraction in its own right.

Outlet owner McArthurGlen has operated a ‘Big Wheel’ at its Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet in Wirral since 2022, which it says has proved to be a “popular complementary attraction for shoppers”.

But objections against the Ashford ride have also been submitted to ABC by more than 20 residents.

Marilyn Elliott, who has lived in South Ashford’s Riversdale Road for 43 years, wrote on the planning portal: “I cannot understand why an observation wheel is necessary or an asset to a designer centre, especially where it would be situated.

"London and Liverpool I know have observation wheels, but they are both large cities and the areas do not overlook housing areas.

"Plus the lights that are on the wheel will be glowing at night.

"I understand the temporary bit refers to the fact that it won't be operational all year, but it will still be a blot on what's left of our landscape not to mention the noise of the people on the wheel."

Meanwhile, another resident added: "If we want to sunbathe we will have people watching from this wheel.

"We the residents have had to suffer years of noise and our lives disturbed every time the outlet wanted changes.

"We the people don't seem to matter anymore. So I am totally anti this wheel.”

However, some have voiced excitement over the proposal.

Fiona Strasser said: “Love the idea - I'll go on it. It is only temporary so I am not worried about it in anyway [so] am actually quite excited by the idea.”

And Din Alijaj noted: "I think it would work for children with all the right safety precautions. I would also use it."

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal

A decision on the application is expected by June 30.

McArthurGlen declined to comment on residents’ fears when asked by KentOnline.