Plans have been submitted to install more than 1,300 solar panels across two key industrial buildings in Shepton Mallet.

Two applications to Somerset Council this week seeking permission to install 647 roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Showerings Cider Mill, and a further 662 panels at the neighbouring Charlton Factory site, both off Kilver Street.

If approved, the installations would have a combined capacity of nearly 600 kilowatts—294.39 kWp at the Cider Mill and 301.21 kWp at the Charlton Factory—potentially providing a significant boost to the sites' renewable energy supply.

Both applications are listed under reference numbers 2025/0790/PCS and 2025/0789/PCS respectively.

The Cider Mill, once home to Babycham production, and the adjacent Charlton Factory have long been part of Shepton's industrial landscape. The proposed solar installations would mark a modern update for the historic sites, aligning with wider ambitions for greener energy across the town.

The proposals are currently open for consultation via the Somerset Council planning portal.