The tower would be powered by a wind turbine at the top of the spire

The �7m Skywalk Tower would give visitors a bird's eye view of Dorset's Poole Harbour from an observation pod 127ft (39 metres) high.

Seven Developments plans to build it on the Sandbanks peninsula in Poole, known as millionaire's row, where the average house costs �500,000.

A planning application was submitted on Friday and a decision is due next year.

Rival Spinnaker Tower

The tower, designed by architect Toby Peters, would be supported by two architectural sails and powered by a wind turbine at the top of the spire.

Eddie Mitchell, of Seven Developments, submitted his plans for the spire to Poole Borough Council on Friday, and said he hoped a decision would be made by March next year.

The Blue Flag beach at Sandbanks attracts thousands of visitors

The council has already announced its own �1m beachfront makeover at the Sandbanks recreation ground.

Mr Mitchell believes the spire will complement that face-lift and rival Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower.

He said: "In times gone by, it was a trend of coastal towns to build piers and landmarks of the area.

"This evolved quite competitively, particularly between towns rivalling to increase their tourism industry in the case of Blackpool, and nearer to home in Bournemouth.

"In more recent years, inland towns and cities have got in on the act and erected towers and spires to amplify their profile.

"I feel that Poole should not be left behind in boosting its reputation."