A 60m (196.9ft) observation wheel is set to remain in Birmingham's Centenary Square until 21 February 2010 after the local council approved planning permission to extend the attraction's stay.

Birmingham City Council's (BCC) has allowed Great City Attractions (GCA) to continue operating the 42-capsule Birmingham Mail Wheel beyond its initial allowance of 28 days, although it will not be able to remain in its current location beyond 21 February due to prior commitments. The observation wheel, which provides views across Birmingham and the surrounding area, includes enclosed capsules capable of accommodating eight passengers each, as well as a VIP capsule and access for people in wheelchairs.

GCA co-chair Elliot Hall said: "Great City Attractions were always aware that Centenary Square was only likely to be available to host the wheel until the end of February. A planning application was put in to allow the wheel to remain for the intended three months, although the standard minimum amount of time to apply for planning permission is actually six months. "All of our team are hugely appreciative of all the help and assistance we have received from Birmingham City Council officers to enable us to bring the wheel to the city at relatively short notice."