COUNCILLORS are set to approve plans for Weymouth's Jurassic Skyline tower to remain in the town for another five years.

A planning application has been recommended for approval and will go before Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, December 13.

Current planning permission for the attraction expired on November 30. The tower is currently closed for the winter, and is expected to reopen in spring.

Historic England welcomed the application and said the tower has become 'part of Weymouth's tourist offer'.

The proposal was also given the green light from Dorset County Council’s highway authority, who said there is no reason to refuse further permission on highway grounds if the current footpaths and public transport links are retained.

The Environment Agency said there has been no significant flood risks to the tower since it was established five years ago, however, they recommended that another flood risk assessment is completed for the proposed fixed term of the planning. 

On advice from the Environment Agency, councillors are recommended to restrict permission to 2022.

A report, set to be discussed by the planning committee at a meeting at the council offices on Commercial Road, states that the tower was only granted temporary permission initially to allow for an assessment of the impact, condition and appearance of the tower.

The borough council owns the peninsula site and the land the tower sits on.

The report adds: "The conclusion accepted by members when they granted permission before was that the proposed tower would be perceived as a new feature in the urban landscape of Weymouth which would not have a significant visual impact on its wider setting. There seems no reason to change that view at this time.

"It was further accepted that one of the clear benefits would be a greater appreciation of World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast and other elements that could be developed and promoted in conjunction with the observation tower. In addition that the proposed observation tower could raise the profile of the borough and its attractiveness as a visitor destination."

The report recommends that councillors approve the tower until November 30, 2022. 

Jurassic Skyline, formerly known as Weymouth Sea Life Tower, was built in 2012 ahead of the Olympics.

It offers 360 degree panoramic views of the coasts of Weymouth, Portland, Lulworth and beyond.