WINCHESTER civic chiefs are gauging interest in their 'solar city' vision.

The city council wants to encourage property owners in the city to put the photovoltaic panels on their roofs.

Around 20 suitable buildings have been identified and the council, working with Winchester Action on Climate Change, will approach six, the town forum heard.

The visits will take place in October and November, Eloise Appleby, assistant director, told councillors.

Earlier this year the Chronicle reported a meeting which heard that solar farm applications have netted Winchester City Council a predicted £500,000 in fees in two years.

The council raked in £51,266 in 2014/15 and £48,228 already in the first four months of 2015/16 in planning fees.

They brought in £85,000 in business rates in 2014/15 with a predicted £296,000 this year, the Council was told.