Plans have been submitted for the London Eye to become a permanent part of the city's skyline.

Winner of more than 20 awards, the attraction has exceeded all visitor projections, attracting more than seven million visitors despite the combined effects of foot and mouth and the September 11 events. Recent research has also shown overwhelming support for the Eye to become a permanent feature.

It has transformed the London skyline and played an important economic role in regenerating the South Bank and in maintaining tourism in London, said David Marks, of Marks Barfield Architects, the firm that conceived and designed the London Eye.

The attraction was granted temporary planning permission for five years from March 2000. The latest planning application will be considered by Lambeth Borough Council's planning committee and other interested parties before being passed for the final decision to the Minister for Planning.