PLANS for a huge solar farm near Bishop's Waltham which could power thousands of homes will be revealed to the public this week.

The site, spanning 50 acres west between Bishop's Waltham and Waltham Chase, would feed up to 15 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 4,500 homes.

More than 100 jobs will be created during the four-month build if plans are approved, and a handful of part-time maintenance posts would continue once the panels are installed.

Developers said the farm could save almost 6,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Mark Candlish, Solafields managing director said: “As well as providing clean renewable energy, the solar farm could deliver many local benefits, such as financial contributions to local projects, biodiversity enhancements and jobs. We are looking forward to meeting people at the exhibition and hearing their comments about our plans.”

Surveyors are assessing the land for the panels' potential impact of plants, wildlife, traffic and cultural heritage.

Solafields has promised community cash to pay for projects including education programmes and a roll-out of solar panels on local buildings.

Detailed plans will be revealed at a public exhibition on Thursday in the Silver Room of Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, from 4.30pm-8.30pm.