An energy company is considering building a wind farm just outside Bicester.

Ecotricity proposes to build nine 79-metre turbines at Four Winds Farm in Upper Arncott, near the M40.

A letter from the company explaining its plans is set to drop on to doormats of nearby homes in the next few days.

Ecotricity estimates each turbine could generate more than two million units of electricity a year, meaning the wind farm could generate enough electricity to power 5,600 homes.

Dale Vince, Ecotricity founder and managing director, said: “Our aim is always for maximum environmental benefit with minimum environmental impact.

“Before we’ll consider building a wind park we have to be sure that it will be a good neighbour to local people and wildlife for its entire life.

“If we can’t be sure of that, then we walk away.”

Mr Vince said before the plans were submitted for planning approval, the site had to satisfy strict criteria.

These include proximity to housing, its relationship with local wildlife, compatibility with radar and analogue TV signals, and a suitable National Grid connection nearby.

The company will also be looking at the average wind speed over the site.

Mr Vince added: “We all have to decide where our energy comes from in the future.

“This wind farm could be a really positive step for the people of Cherwell district, providing more than 5,000 homes with green electricity made from the wind. It will be a local, clean energy source that will never run out.”

Villagers in Fewcott, Ardley and Fritwell are fighting plans by Chesterfield-based company Bolsterstone to build a wind farm at Willowbank Farm, south of the M40 near Ardley.

The firm was refused permission for four 125-metre turbines by Cherwell District Council, but forced a public inquiry, which is due to conclude next month.

Villagers opposed the site on the grounds the turbines were too close to homes. The nearest is about 500 metres away. They are also concerned about noise and the flicker effect from turbines when the sun hits a moving blade.

Ecotricity already operates 51 wind turbines at 15 wind farms in the UK, which in total generate 120,000,000 units of green electricity each year, enough for 41,000 homes.

The firm is holding an open day at Arncott Village Hall on Thursday, May 27, from noon to 7pm, where it will reveal details of its proposal.