The boats will, says the company, be the largest leisure craft in production in the UK and the operation will rival Poole's Sunseeker boatbuilding operation.

The deal was put together by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), which said Hampshire had won a 'fierce international competition' to attract the Wisconsin-based brand.

'The submission of the detailed planning application is a significant and exciting step forward for the marine quarter and will bring back hundreds of jobs to Woolston, said Peter Cusdin, SEEDA development director. 'Subject to securing consent, the original vision can become a reality.'

Palmer Johnson plans to take over the old RAF base in Hythe in the short term before moving production to Woolston and taking advantage of the old deepwater quay left over from its warship heritage.

'The Chamber of Commerce is pleased that Palmer Johnson's plans will result in significant jobs being created once again at Woolston and the further growth opportunities this also presents for companies within the local supply chain,' said Captain Jimmy Chestnutt, director general of the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce.