SOLAR panels are set to power part of a new housing development near Romsey.

New panels are to be built on the roofs of the new community pavilion that will be constructed at the King's Chase housing complex.

Test Valley Borough Council has announced the plans as it looks to make the authority even greener.

The council undertook a review of its buildings in 2015 to establish where it might be viable to install the solar panels, or other forms of renewable energy technology.

The authority says it will enable the council to become more energy efficient, and help to deliver additional income.

The review identified the new pavilion set to be built on the development as one of the best options.

Environmental portfolio holder at the council, Graham Stallard, said the authority wanted to put them in place as the building is being constructed rather than fit them retrospectively.

Cllr Stallard said: "The project to install solar panels at the new pavilion is an opportunity for the council to demonstrate its commitment to renewable energy.

"We will also be able to take advantage of this at a time when the building is being constructed as opposed to fitting the panels retrospectively and impacting users of the facility.

"As well as making the council more energy efficient, we will receive an income from the panels."

The council did not say how much money it would make from the panels being installed.

The building will be adopted by the council after construction in line with the developer contribution agreement for the site on Braishfield Road.

The work forms part of the council's Project Enterprise initiative, which aims to generate additional income and reduce its dependence on the government's revenue support grant over the coming years.