Hemex LLP is looking into the possibility of installing the turbines on the east side of the M1, near junction 19 and the M6. The energy company is asking Daventry District Council for its views on the idea, which it says could power about 12,000 homes.

Parish councils in towns and villages, including Crick, Yelvertoft, Swinford, Lilbourne, Claycoton, Cold Ashby and Watford are being sent information on the plans.

William Mollett, who is managing the project, said: "We are very excited by this location, which offers excellent noise camouflage from the M1. In addition, the existing M1-A14-M6 interchange, along with the existing Rugby radio masts, will help minimise the potential landscape impact that usually attends these renewable energy projects."

If the plan goes ahead, one or two of the turbines will be offered up for investment by the general public. Mr Mollett added: "Experience shows that these schemes attract a high level of interest from private investors – for good reason. Energy prices are currently high in historic terms, and this, unlike property prices, does not appear representative of a bubble that is about to burst."

Elsewhere in the county, supermarket giant Asda has put forward plans for a 417ft turbine on the Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton, and Sainsbury's is also planning to erect one of the devices at its new depot in Swan Park.

The voice of opposition to turbines has been growing. Residents in Kelmarsh have formed the Stop Kelmarsh Windfarm Committee in opposition to a planned farm, and residents in Woodford Halse successfully campaigned to stop a wind farm test mast being built near their village last year.