by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The so-called Angel of the South - a white horse and symbol of north west Kent's economic regeneration - is a few steps closer to reality as it awaits a council go-ahead.

The Ebbsfleet Landmark Project (ELP) has submitted Mark Wallinger's White Horse design to Gravesham council for planning consideration.

The multi-million pound project, which is set to boost the county's international profile, was launched in January 2008 by backers Eurostar, Land Securities, and London & Continental Railways, the owner of High Speed 1.

Mark Wallinger's design emerged as the winner following a competition between five world class artists and a public consultation programme.

The choice was controversial because Kent County Council and others lobbied hard for a Kent Invicta style horse.

But since the Wallinger horse was chosen, the sculpture has been worked up into a technical development, including plans for safety and maintenance.

Stephen Jordan, chairman of the ELP Board said: "This is an important step on the journey for this ambitious project. We are all pleased to have made so much progress over the past few months Mark Wallinger has been working closely with us and his input has been invaluable. His concept is a technically challenging one but the response from the ELP team and founding patrons has been excellent."

The White Horse will be sited at Springhead Park, close to the Ebbsfleet Valley regeneration area and Ebbsfleet International station.

Gravesham council leader Cllr Mike Snelling said: "While I cannot pre-judge the results of a planning application to our independent Regulatory Board, this is an exciting project which has the potential to put Ebbsfleet on the map."

How the sculpture will be paid for - it could be up to three times the original projected cost of £2million - has yet to be finalised and no completion date has been announced.