A London Eye style ferris wheel is being planned for Felixstowe seafront.

The 34.5m (approx 105ft) high observation will offer views across the resort's bay across the North Sea to Sealand, over Landguard Point, and the docks towards Harwich and the Shotley peninsula.

Six people at a time will be allowed in the 24 gondolas which will rotate slowly

Essex businessman Paul Hedges has made the applications and plans to work with the Tourism Board and Stanley Harris of Ocean Amusements, who are keen to increase the visibility of this very pretty, less commercialised, seaside resort, to take full advantage of the increasing popularity in 'staycations', within the UK and therefore boost the local economy.

The application for the proposed seasonal erection of the along the Felixstowe Promenade also includes with an associated hot cold food Kiosk, booking office, in an area which is a designated leisure site.

A statement in the application said: "The proposed Ferris / observation Wheel is intended to act as a main visitor attraction for the Local tourist industry from February to October and is similar to one erected, also on a seasonal basis at Willen Park in Milton Keynes, and another in Clacton.

The Kiosk will sell hot and cold drinks (tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc) as well as snacks including sandwiches, panini's and luxury ice cream.

Felixstowe's Eye would only be erected on a seasonal basis, between the February half term and October half term when the wheel would be removed for cleaning and refurbishment over the winter.

The applicants have chosen a site within 50m of a pay & display car park and easy walking distance to bus stops and the town's train station.

They claim the proposal will provide a new and exciting attraction to the Sea Front which would increase visitor numbers to the area, creating employment for locals and additional income for Local Businesses.

Felixstowe's wheel would be tiny compared to the 440ft London Eye and the Ain Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which stands at a whopping 250 meters on Bluewaters Island.