IT LOOKS set to be the perfect eatery for people who enjoy the high life.

Developers have unveiled plans to create a restaurant in the sky by converting the 650ft chimney at Fawley Power Station into an attraction that would rival the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

If the scheme goes ahead a glass-sided facility boasting spectacular views of Southampton Water will be built at the top of the iconic chimney.

Last night people living near the huge site said potential customers could include Hollywood legend Tom Cruise, who filmed part of Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation at the site.

Built in the 1970s the power station closed after failing to meet modern environmental standards and has since been bought by Fawley Waterside.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the consortium is planning to bulldoze some of the waterfront buildings and replace them with 1,500 homes and a luxury marina.

Now it has been revealed that the scheme includes a proposal to retain the chimney and convert it into a dining area with an adjoining viewing platform.

Aldred Drummond, one of the directors, said: “We’d be mad to knock the chimney down – it’s our signature piece of infrastructure.

“If you think of the money spent building the Spinnaker Tower this building is already there, so with relatively little investment we can do something spectacular.”

Plans show a petal-shaped glass structure high above the rest of the proposed development, which includes new fast ferry links to Southampton and Portsmouth.

An outline planning application is due to be submitted within months – and construction could start next year if consent is granted.

Waterside councillor Allan Glass said: “It sounds as if the scheme could create an excellent visitor attraction.

“It beats the Spinnaker Tower – which isn’t as tall – and if they can find a good use for an iconic structure it’s better than knocking it down.”

Fawley resident Mike Cooper added: “It would be great for special occasions – I’m all for it.

“The power station served a great purpose for a number of years but plans to redevelop the site could regenerate the area and bring money into the village.”

Asked if he thought Tom Cruise might visit the restaurant he added: “You never know. He might even agree to open it if he’s in the country.”

The restaurant plan has been drawn up by London-based Marks Barfield Architects.

A Fawley Waterside spokesman said: “The concept they produced included the retention of the glazed section of the main turbine hall.

“However, as the project has progressed it has become apparent that the building will eventually have to come down due to the high cost of keeping it and the difficulty in converting it.”