Lambeth: London's Millennium Wheel may become one of the city's many permanent tourist attractions.

The British Airways London Eye was only given five years planning rights, but operators have submitted an application to Lambeth council to give the 450ft tall structure long-term permission to remain at its South Bank location.

The wheel opened in March 2000 and has attracted seven million visitors. It is estimated that it contributes about 1.5% to London's tourism earnings.

Wheel designer David Marks, of Marks Barfield Architects, said: "It has transformed the London skyline and played an important economic role in regenerating the South Bank and in maintaining tourism for London - even in these difficult times."

December 10, 2001 15:00