Plans for the development of a new 45m (147.6ft)-tall ferris wheel attraction on Brighton's seafront have been given the green light by the local authority.

Brighton and Hove City Council's (BHCC) planning committee has awarded temporary consent for the Brighton Wheel scheme - located 100m (328.1ft) east of the town's pier. Paramount Attractions is now set to start work on the project, with Brighton Wheel expected to be open ahead of the main summer season.

It is anticipated that around 250,000 people will visit the wheel each year, with the attraction capable of accommodating 280 passengers in 36 cabins at full capacity. A BHCC spokesperson said: "We felt that on balance the advantages outweighed the disadvantages, especially given that this is a temporary consent.

"We're still hopeful that the i360 viewing tower will be delivered at the West Pier site. But for now this attraction will bring some benefits to the seafront."