Visitors will be able to see as far as north Wales

The Liverpool Culture Company is submitting a planning application for the wheel - giving visitors a 15-minute ride in glass pods above the city.

Liverpool Council says the 345-tonne eye is the world's largest transportable mobile wheel.

It revolves three times per ride and will be a temporary fixture at the city's Canning Half-Tide Dock.

If the plans are approved, visitors will be able to see as far as north Wales during the 15-minute ride on the wheel.

LIVERPOOL EYE FACTS It would be supported by 40,000 litres of water Eight people can travel in each pod The eye was built in Munich, in Germany, and Switzerland Each pod is climate-controlled with air conditioning The eye will be the height of 14 double-decker buses

Mike Storey, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "They say New York is so good they named it twice, well Liverpool is so good you need to see it three times.

''It will be a great addition to the waterfront and will give local people and visitors a fantastic bird's eye view of this beautiful city of ours."

Those travelling on the eye will get a running commentary on the city.

Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture in 2008.