The arichitects behind the London Eye have submitted a planning application for Britain's tallest observation tower - and wedding venue.

The Brighton i360 would have a viewing pod that would rise 600ft above the seafront, providing spectacular views of up to 50 miles across Sussex.

The structure - affectionately known already as the Brighton Eye - would be the county's tallest building but would not block the skyline, according to its designers, because the pole supporting the pod would be just 4m wide.

The Eye is expected to create 130 full-time jobs, boost tourist revenue by up to £10m, and act as a catalyst for regeneration and development.

The architects hope that planning permission will be granted by October this year.

They then expect building to commence early in 2007 and the attraction to open in the summer of 2008.

Eleanor Harris, Managing Director of I-Xperience, which will operate the attraction, said: "We expect Brighton i360 to attract around 550,000 visitors annually - 20 per cent first-time visitors to Brighton."

Once the tower is up and running there will be a renewed push to rebuild the West Pier with plans to open as soon as 2009.

Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said: "We now find we are back on track."

Architect Julia Barfield said: "We hope that the Brighton i360 will become a 21st Century symbol for Brighton."

David Lepper, the MP for Brighton Pavilion said: "The Brighton i360 reflects the elegance of the old West Pier while being really fitting for the 21st Century."

City council leader Simon Burgess said: "I'm delighted they've moved to the planning application stage so quickly."