FOOD could grow on the side of buildings and robots could be working in our homes by 2050 but residents can shape the vision of Oxford's future right now.

An ongoing consultation on how the city should be in 33 years will this week focus on buildings and the natural environment.

Oxford has more than twice the national average of Grade I and II listed buildings and the projected increase in population from 161,000 to 190,000 puts housing at the top of the agenda.

But reducing energy, flooding and the production of food in the future are also issues the council has raised.

Council leader Bob Price said: "By 2050 Oxford should aim to provide homes to rent or buy at prices that genuinely meet the needs of our citizens at every income level.

"The city’s older housing stock will need to be retro-fitted to use less energy and to retain heat; and there will need to be a larger stock of homes that are available at social rents levels.

He added: "New housing developments and all older parts of the city will have well designed green spaces and play areas nearby retaining the blend of built and natural space - such an important feature of the city."

Furniture could adapt to the shape of your body and robots could even help build homes.

But the consultation wants to develop a set of principles to apply to whatever technological advances come along.

CEO of Oxford Low Carbon Hub, Dr Barbara Hammond, said: "If we want clean air, secure energy and healthy homes, Oxford must lead the transition to a low carbon economy by 2050.

"By then, we will all be using a lot less energy to run our lives - we will live in new houses that need no heating or we will live in an old house that has been transformed to need very little heat."

Manager of sustainable food network Good Food Oxford, Hannah Fenton, said edible hedgerows and vertical farming up the sides of buildings could be in store in the future.

She said: "By 2050 in Oxford everyone will be able to eat well every da, because we will be growing a substantial amount of our food within out urban environment, making for a greener city with better air quality.

"We will have edible hedgerows, plenty of fruit and nut trees, and vertical farming up the sides of our buildings."

She added: "Municipal kitchens, where people can cook and eat together, will make a comeback so anyone can get a cheap, nutritious meal three times a day, fostering community spirit and a vibrant food culture."

To take part in the consultation, visit oxford2050.com