IT WILL stand at 169 feet tall and will be built using one million bricks.

The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer has been given planning permission – and it was designed by a Winchester businessman.

Paul Bulkeley, who founded Snug Architects and worked in Winchester for 16 years, won a global competition run by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2019.

Now his project will be built on a site near Birmingham, and will be one of the world's largest collaborative projects.

He told the Chronicle: "As I’ve been part of the journey, I’ve realised that this monument will not only be awe-inspiring as a piece of public art, but I’m also convinced it will be loved as an iconic landmark of hope communicating the value of prayer to the visual and interactive age in the 21st century.

"I am delighted to be part of such a ground-breaking Christian venture and look forward to seeing the design now become a reality."

Mr Bulkeley will digitally link all of the one million bricks to a personal story of answered prayer submitted from individuals all across the UK.

Using interactive technology and an app, visitors will be able to use their smart device to read the specific story behind each one.

The structure will be taller than the Angel of the North and is expected to attract 300,000 visitors each year, contributing £9.3 million to the Warwickshire economy.

Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer CEO Richard Gamble said: "It’s been 16 years since the idea was first born. To finally receive the official consent is incredible. We are building a very special landmark and it is an amazing opportunity for the British people to leave a legacy of hope for future generations.

"Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer will make hope visible to the UK. The unique thing about the project is that it’s all about the community: it’s crowdfunded and a million people will come together to crowd-create this incredible piece of art with their stories of hope. What we're doing is historic."

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2021 with completion in Autumn 2022.