CIVIC chiefs have submitted plans for thousands of solar panels to be installed in the grounds of a Hampshire country park.

As previously reported, Eastleigh Borough Council wants to put 3,380 panels on land at Itchen Valley Country Park in West End as part of a £1.1m scheme.

Funded by the council and central government, the solar farm, off Allington Lane, would generate around 1,000kWh of electricity a year – enough to power 260 homes.

And it would save 570 tonnes of carbon a year, remaining in place for between 20 and 25 years.

Although the council has had 12 schemes for solar power in the borough since July 2011, this is the first time that the panels have been on the ground rather than on a roof. Council bosses say the proposed site is not in an area used by the public and will not restrict public use.

Consultation on the scheme runs until January 19.