AN ATTRACTION not for the faint hearted that will take thrill-seekers up 400ft in the air will be debated by Denbighshire councillors (Wednesday, September 8).

The SkyFlyer, which is nearly twice as high as the Sky Tower in Rhyl, will take riders into the air on board a gondola set on a 15m platform.

Riders will enjoy 360° views reaching from Moel Famau, to the Great Orme in Llandudno, all the way to Liverpool on a clear day.

Sean Taylor, owner and founder of Zip World, is behind the proposals that are earmarked for the former Sun Centre site in Rhyl.

A document into proposals states: "The development involves an inflated helium airship/blimp shaped balloon attached to a winch, which would carry up to 30 passengers in a gondola suspended beneath. It would be raised up to a maximum height of 120 metres on an eight minute ride (four minutes to rise and four minutes to descend) with the objective of viewing the surrounding area and Rhyl Coastline from a height.

"When inflated, the plain white SkyFlyer balloon would measure 27 metres in length with a diameter of 18metres. Within the balloon, six 120W LED lamps would be installed, the navigation lights are industry standard as used for aeroplanes and tall buildings."

The balloon would require a 40 metre turning circle for re-orientation depending on wind direction.

The document added: "Surrounding the concrete platform and Gondola there would be a three metre high security fence, as the balloon would remain inflated once installed unless weather conditions require deflation i.e. storms with winds above 70 knots.

"The rest of the site would remain open as existing with additional landscaping proposed including a fast growing feature hedge between the pathway and the security fence."

The development includes temporary buildings to house a ‘meet and greet’ facility for the SkyFlyer balloon, toilet facilities for visitors, as well as ramped access to the balloon.

A noise report has been submitted in support of the application which looked at the winch operational noise.

During inflation the loudest noise would be the engine of the crane which is required for three hours.

However the balloon would remain inflated unless weather conditions required deflation.

Cllr Barry Mellor, ward councillor, said: "The SkyFlyer is something very new but the entrepreneur who is bringing this to Rhyl has a very good track record of exciting and adventurous developments, The Zip Wire in Snowdonia just being one of them.

"There is no liability on the council so I really think it is worth giving it a go.

"It could become a real destination in North Wales."

The application is recommended for grant.

There has been representations made in objection to the SkyFlyer. Concerns include adverse impact on amenity enjoyed by neighbouring properties; highways safety; increase in traffic in the vicinity and pressure for parking.

Denbighshire's planning committee will meet on Wednesday, September 8 at 1.30pm.