PLANS for a solar farm near Bicester could provide the energy to power 2,146 homes.

The 31,000 solar panels would cover a 39-acre field known as Wootton Baulk in Tackley Estate if plans are approved.

The power would be fed into the National Grid for enough electricity to power about 2,146 homes.

Lightsource Renewable Energy, the UK-based firm behind the proposal, is launching a public consultation this month.

Conor McGuigan, Lightsource planning and development director, said: “There are few other types of ‘power station’ which can sit happily among vegetation and wildlife and even enhance the ecological values without harming the land they sit on.”

He added: “In light of recent announcements of coal and nuclear power plants closing, it is time to ask ourselves where we want our energy to come from.

“This is not about the here and now, it is about the future and the kind of legacy we want to leave behind.

“We need to take control over rising energy prices, climate change and sustainability, recognising that solar is one of the most passive technologies to implement.”

The firm claims carbon dioxide savings would add up to about 3,662 tonnes per year, which equates to carbon emissions of 813 large family cars per year.

The public consultation is at Tackley village hall between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 15.

The solar panels would sit 2.5m high, just below the 3m hedging around the field.

The field is currently used to cultivate wheat and oil seed rape – which will still be farmed in surrounding fields.

Tackley village resident Barbara Vaughan, 68, said: “As far as I can see anything that helps generate renewable energy has to be a positive contribution.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone who has concerns, and in fact I think it would be a valuable thing to do.

“It is quite near the road but I don’t think it would be visable.”

The company has not yet submitted its formal planning application to Cherwell District Council.