The prestigious developers behind plans for the Brighton i360 seafront viewing tower have lodged an official objection against a rival project – the giant ferris wheel dubbed the Brighton O.

The i360's architects Mark Barfield have written to Brighton and Hove City Council calling on officials to reject plans for the new attraction.

They said its site opposite the Hilton Metropole in Kings Road would create difficulties for the construction of the 150m tall i360, less than 100 metres west at the land end of the derelict West Pier.

Paramount Attractions, which wants to install the £6 million 60 metre tall O, has argued there would be no conflict between the two.

It has insisted the observation ferris wheel could be put up within weeks if it is granted planning permission on Wednesday December 16 and would only be in place for two years before moving to another city.

Financial problems have made it unlikely the i360 will be open before 2012, despite planning permission having been granted in 2006.

His fears have been echoed in objections from the West Pier Trust, which is responsible for the i360 site, and Brighton Sailing Club, which is worried it could be forced out of its seafront home by the two attractions seizing portions of the adjacent seafront.

The Metropole has already objected to the Brighton O on the basis it will block views from its best seafront rooms and guests would be in view of customers on the attraction.

Paramount said it was holding talks with the i360 team, the sailing club and other affected parties to try to resolve the issues.