PLANS have been submitted to build up to 45 homes on the Clipper Teas site in Beaminster.

Clipper wants to condense three production buildings into one larger one – building housing on the remaining two sites.

The application, lodged with West Dorset District Council for the Broadwindsor Road Industrial Estate, hopes to seek outline permission to build up to 45 homes and full permission to extend an existing industrial unit on the south side of Clipper's site.

In March, Wessanen UK, Clipper's parent company, opened its doors to show local residents the development plans.

Patrick Cairns, CEO at Wessanen UK, said: "We are really excited by our plans for the Clipper factory in Beaminster and are delighted by the feedback that we received from our neighbours during our community consultation events - which have been overwhelmingly positive.

"A planning application has now been submitted and recently registered by West Dorset District Council. We look forward to working with the council and interested parties to secure an appropriate planning decision."

Wessanen believes the current Clipper set-up in Beaminster is a "logistical burden" and the company hopes the development will help secure it's long-term future in west Dorset.

Mr Cairns added: "We have highlighted how our current operation is compromised by the fact that the three sites are divided across two public roads and raw materials have to be transported between each site; a logistical burden.

"The industrial units' small size and their layout further hinders Clipper’s manufacturing requirements.

"In response, the proposed development will redevelop our sites north of the road for residential development. The funding from this development would be used to consolidate Clipper’s tea production, storage and administration on the south side of the road, allowing us to be competitive on a UK and international basis."

Mr Cairns believes the development would provide "much needed housing" for Beaminster.

He added: "We have worked closely with the local community and planning experts to develop a plan which will genuinely enhance the Beaminster environment whilst creating real long term social and economic benefits.

"We have long term roots in the Beaminster area and would be delighted to be able to further invest in a facility that we have put more than £4million in the last four years, and we have been really grateful for the support and encouragement that we have received from the local community.

"It is exciting because it would ensure, if the plan is approved, long term employment security and prospect of growth, whilst freeing up brownfield space for much needed housing."

Residents have until Saturday, May 28 to comment on the proposals at dorsetforyou.com