A SOLAR farm could be built behind a food manufacturer near Worcester.

Vandermoortele also wants to install solar panels on the roof of its factory in Lower Broadheath.

Plans for the two solar installations have been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.

Vandermoortele, which makes bakery products, margarines and oils, says its Worcester plant has a history in the area going back more than 100 years.

ENTRANCE: The access to Vandermoortele off Martley RoadENTRANCE: The access to Vandermoortele off Martley Road (Image: Google Maps)

Explaining the need for the solar panels in planning documents, it said: “Following significant upgrades to the plant's capabilities throughout 2020, the company headquartered in Lower Broadheath is now extending its operations to run 24/7.

“This led to the creation of additional jobs, with the company now being a significant employer in the area.

“As part of the company mission and values, Vandemoortele strives to operate responsibly and in an environmentally sustainable manner.

“The company sets aggressive targets for improving energy intensity and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Vandemoortele has an established global energy management program to ensure continuous improvement and advance progress towards its goals.

“As part of a multi-faceted approach towards achieving these goals, the company regularly evaluates and incorporates alternative energy sources, new technologies and best practices for energy use.”

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The company says the site in question is currently an unused field surrounded by hedgerows that would minimise views of the solar panels.

“There is one residence in the immediate vicinity of the site, but the tree vegetation around the house protects it from any possible visual impact,” it says.

“Further east of this house, there is another factory, with no visual impact on it.”

The ground installation would be made up of 896 panels.

According to the plans, construction of the solar farm would take about three or four months if planning permission was granted.