THE Hampshire engineers behind proposals for a landmark new bridge have submitted their groundbreaking design to the government.

For the world famous New Forest company Gifford, the submission of the £14m Twin Sails bridge design to the Department of Transport marks the start of an anxious period. Ministers are expected to deliberate for about a year.

Following in the footsteps of Gateshead's world famous 'blinking eye' Millennium Bridge, also designed by Gifford, the Poole bridge is hoped to spark regeneration in the town's harbour area.

"This bridge is opening the door to our future prosperity, creating 5,000 to 6,000 jobs, £1 billion of investment and over 1,000 affordable homes," said Borough of Poole council leader Brian Leverett.

"Poole is almost at a crossroads in its destiny and we have to grab this opportunity that's been offered to us," he said.

If all goes well the Transport and Works Act Order will deliver far more than a state-of-the-art bridge, providing a gateway to unlock brownfield sites ripe for development.

"This is absolutely vital to the regeneration aspirations and we look forward to a speedy process so that we can develop the site for the benefit of all residents of Poole," said Cllr Ron Parker, Cabinet portfolio holder for local economy.

Gifford, which is based in Ringwood Road, Ashurst has based its bridge design on two racing yachts tacking. The bridge will open up to 12 times a day to let vessels through. It will only take two minutes to open and close.

Design project director Peter Curran, who has overseen the two-year process, said: "We are really proud. One of the exciting things about Poole is that it is on our doorstep and it is nice to be involved in something of this quality here.

"I would hope the proposal goes down positively. We have been working on it for two years and this is the most significant step in that period."

However, the application's journey through the Department for Transport could hit stormy seas. It is likely substantial objections will be raised from major operators in the harbour. The secretary of state's decision is expected in 2006, with summer of that year the earliest the two-year build could start.