IT HAS towered over the entrance to Southampton Water for almost half a century.

Visible from as far away as the South Downs, the 650ft chimney at Fawley Power Station is one of Hampshire's biggest and best-known landmarks.

Last year the new owners of the site unveiled proposals to build a glass-sided eatery at the top of the iconic structure.

But the restaurant scheme - and the chimney itself - look set to disappear.

The massive structure is noticeably absent from the latest artist's impression released by Fawley Waterside Ltd, which is drawing up plans to redevelop the 300-acre site.

Its £800 million scheme includes hundreds of homes, plus a Venice-style area boasting ornate buildings and a scenic canal.

The chimney's visual impact means the consortium's plans are more likely to be approved if the stack does not form part of the proposed development.

A Fawley Waterside spokesman said: "Following discussions with New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority we have taken the decision to submit an outline application with all the power station structures - including the chimney - removed."

Planning policies say major developments in national park can be allowed only in exceptional circumstances.

"The scale and visual impact of the chimney it make it difficult for the development as a whole to meet the test," said the spokesman.

"We recognise that the chimney is an important and popular landmark used by sailors and those walking the New Forest to orientate themselves.

"Following our public exhibitions last September, a huge 72 per cent of people said they wished to see the chimney retained.

"We are therefore continuing to consider a variety of detailed designs that will include a full evaluation of the current structure.

"If the chimney is to be removed it will be replaced by a building of sufficient scale and height that can be seen from the Solent’s eastern and western approaches."

People living in the area can inspect the latest proposals at an exhibition being held at the Jubilee Hall, Fawley, today and tomorrow.

The spokesman said: "The ambition is to build one of the most beautiful small towns in England.

"Our latest plans include major improvements to the A326, which will significantly reduce congestion, plus more detail on the provision of local jobs and services."

Built in 1971, the oil-fired power station closed in 2013 after failing to meet modern environmental standards.

It has since been used as a location for several movies and TV series, including Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation, Red Dwarf, Spies, Endeavour and the latest Star Wars film, Solo.