Plans have been drawn up to build the tallest structure in the Westcountry's history.

Architects have unveiled proposals for a 24-storey, 75-metre tower in the centre of Plymouth.Called the Horizons Tower, it is expected to cost £30 million.The building, which would contain nearly 400 apartments, would transform the skyline and be visible from all over the city.Marc Nash, director of Architects Design Group, which has just submitted plans to the city council for approval, said: "This is an exciting time for Plymouth: a time to be bold, forward- thinking and to make a statement."The architectural firm says the wedge-shaped tower's design resembles New York's iconic Flatiron building - the world's first skyscraper when it was constructed in 1902.It is one of several tall structures which developers have proposed for Plymouth as part of renowned architect David Mackay's vision to reinvigorate the city.They include Trathen's Tower, which will form Plymouth's first five-star hotel and which has been approved, and a 22-storey tower containing offices and a restaurant.A Mackay plan for a £1 million boulevard linking the city centre to the seafront is also being considered.ADG, based at Tamar Science Park, says the 900sq m Horizons Tower would contain 396 studio and one-bedroom apartments aimed at University of Plymouth students and flats for city-centre workers.Mr Nash said: "We hope our visionary work will be welcomed by city council planners, having always believed that it fits in superbly with the ambitious Mackay vision for the city."The building will certainly equal, if not surpass, recent statement architecture in Bristol and Exeter, and indeed outside the South West."Plymouth has the potential to become an iconic skyline for the UK."Many major cities around the world are also making best use of available 'brownfield' inner-city land, which is in short supply, in line with government policy."We will only achieve that through truly ground-breaking design such as Horizons."Architects Design Group director Ian Potts said the tall buildings being proposed for the city would help attract tourists. "When you come off the liners they're trying to attract into Millbay, you can't instantly see where the city centre is. Tall buildings will quickly draw people in," he said.The tower is to be located at a former YMCA site at the top end of Armada Way in the city centre.