BARRY Island's Ferris Wheel has come under threat after the Vale council told fairground owner Henry Danter that he did not have permission for the iconic attraction.

The Barry High, the one million pound 100ft Ferris Wheel on Barry Island Pleasure Park, was installed on the site in October this year.

A letter sent to park owner Henry Danter, 74, last week refers to an “unauthorised development”, relating to the “installation of a ferris wheel" among other developments such as "resurfacing of the funfair" and "engineering works".

It adds that "failure to resolve this breach of planning within 28 days given may result in formal enforcement action being pursued", leaving Mr Danter wondering if he may have to remove the wheel.

Mr Danter said that this latest setback, following an ongoing dispute over the alteration of the exterior of the Pleasure Park arcade, has put doubts in his mind over the future of his planned £22m investment into the park.

He said it has started to seem as though the council is "working against" his plans for Barry Island.

The Vale council has said that while they are obliged to investigate any breaches of planning control "no matter who might be breaching them" they would prefer to "continue to try and work with the site owner to resolve these issues" rather than take enforcement action.

Mr Danter, said: “It’s so unnecessary. It’s very unfair. I’m stunned. I can’t believe it – the amount of effort, love, passion, vision and determination – it was my baby.

“The council is working against us; every move we make. Is that the way to say thank you?”

Mr Danter said he believed his family were working under the Amusement Park Guidelines of 1947 which apply to the industry.

Mr Danter continued: "My family are all disgusted. My son said we should take it away.”

A spokesman said: “The installation of most equipment and rides associated with the funfair are permitted under Part 25 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995 (as amended).

"However, the Order stipulates that planning permission is required for the installation of machinery over 25 metres in height and the new wheel that has been erected falls into this category.

“The council is obliged to investigate breaches of planning control no matter who might be breaching those regulations and informing the site owner of such breaches is part of that process.

"It is important to note that alongside regulations such as the Amusements Act, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is also applicable and in developing the site Mr Danter should be adhering to the requirements of all relevant legislation.

“A meeting had been arranged with Mr Danter but had to be cancelled at short notice due to illness.

"This will now be rearranged so the matter can be discussed further.

"While it is open to the council to take enforcement action against any unauthorised development, to date none has been taken in relation to this site.

"Instead, the council will continue to try and work with the site owner to resolve these issues.

"In this spirit, we would welcome the submission of a planning application for the ferris wheel to ensure it is safely positioned and adequate surface water drainage provided.

“So far, no planning applications for any of the unauthorised developments on the site have been forthcoming despite Mr Danter having been made aware of the breaches of planning control on previous occasions”