The move could mean the iconic site is left with just one of its landmark chimneys during refurbishment work.

Current planning rules state only one chimney at a time on the 1933 building can come down during the rebuild.

But the developers are now asking Wandsworth Council if they can work on three chimneys together allowing the project to finish two years earlier.

Work on the £100m power station restoration is due to start in October.

The main contract for the renovation has still to be let with Sir Robert McAlpine widely regarded as favourite to bag the job.

A Battersea Power Station Development Company spokesman told the BBC: “It is simply a case of speeding up the scheme.

“If we do them one at a time it would take a lot longer. If we do one and then three it’s a lot quicker.

“There is an absolute commitment on behalf of the developer to rebuild the chimneys to the same design as the originals.”

A spokesman for the council said: “Council planners are now examining the application in detail.”

A decision on the proposal will be in made by August, the spokesman said.