Italy’s culture minister has poured cold water on the idea of constructing a giant ferris wheel, similar to the London Eye, next to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

Plans emerged this week to erect the 180ft-tall attraction about 300 yards from the perimeter of Pompeii, which was buried in lava and ash after the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

The Wheel of Pompeii would be built outside the archeological area, in a carpark next to a Carrefour supermarket.

But when asked about the proposal on Thursday, Alberto Bonisoli, the culture and heritage minister, said he was opposed to it.

“We’re not even discussing it. We’ve not received the proposal so far, but if we do, I would send it straight back,” he said.

Tourists riding the giant wheel would get a bird’s eye view of Pompeii’s streets, villas, brothels, gladiator barracks and amphitheatre, as well as the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, a still active volcano.

But for those visiting the ancient site, the steel structure would mar the skyline, critics said.

The proposal is being studied by the local town council, but without a green light from the government, it appears to have little chance of getting off the ground.