THE new tower will be one-and-a-half metres taller than London’s Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.

And if it is ready for the 2012 Olympics as planned, it will sit alongside a “festival village” on the Pavilion peninsular with local and international food, entertainment and exhibits as well as the media hub.

The plans come four years after a proposal was made to spend £150million on redeveloping the Pavilion site into a new hotel, apartments and marina.

The scheme caused a storm of controversy over the potential loss of the theatre, effects on the harbour and the view of the Nothe.

But all of the debates ended up being needless when the credit crunch hit, and by 2009 the developers Howard Holdings could not be contacted by the council.

Despite interest from other builders the plans came to nothing.

Merlin Entertainments said discussions were held with council chiefs before this new planning application was made in order to fit in with future plans for the site.

A Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman said they welcome applications for “decent” facilities which boost the economy.

She said: “It’s a priority for the council to make sure that all applications are considered with the best interest of local people, and residents are encouraged to view the proposals on display at the Prince Regent Hotel later this month.”