A produce factory in the Fens has been given the go-ahead for a solar farm which will meet almost half of its energy needs.

Fenmarc has been given planning permission to site more than 2,000 panels on three acres of land to the east of its plant at Elm, near Wisbech.

It said in a planning statement the array would generate 40pc of the electricity needed to power its operations at Gosmoor Lane.

Plans also include grassland for sheep grazing, an area of traditional orchard and the planting of a new hedgerow to screen the site.

The statement adds: "Permission is sought for the development on a temporary basis as the solar farm is expected to have a usable life of 40 years.

"After that time the solar farm, any site buildings and enclosures would be removed, unless any subsequent planning application was approved and the land would be restored to full agricultural use."