New images show how a £20 million greenhouse growing 150 million tomatoes will add to one of the country’s most high-tech farms.

Computer-generated images have been released as construction begins on the vast glasshouse, the seventh to be built at Thanet Earth, near Birchington.

The pictures show how the enormous 6.5 hectare structure - equal to the size of nine football pitches - will add to the 45 hectares already growing crops on the site.

The firm says the project is “a significant expansion of its state-of-the-art horticultural operations” which sees it produce 400 million tomatoes, 33 million cucumbers and 24 million peppers.

The first new crop of tomatoes are set to be planted in November, when the greenhouse is due to be completed.

It is the final glasshouse to be built under the site’s initial planning permission, which was granted by Thanet District Council in 2005 and the first was opened in 2009.

Work on site started in March with the framework now taking shape close to the site’s boundary with the A299 Thanet Way.

Bosses say the building is specifically designed to resist strong winds, with gable fencing adjoining the road being specifically reinforced. A new line of trees has also been planted alongside the dual carriageway.

Chris Butler, managing director of Thanet Earth said: “The development of our seventh glasshouse is a significant milestone for Thanet Earth and a clear demonstration of our continued investment in UK food production.

“Strengthening our capacity to grow more fresh produce here in Britain is vital for long-term food security, reducing our dependence on imports, and meeting consumer demand sustainably.”

The work will be constructed by Dutch horticultural specialist firm BOM, which has been involved in work at Thanet Earth since 2008. The company says it has also employed local tradespeople, including groundworkers, electricians, and builders.

The greenhouses can harvest 70 million gallons of rainwater and has enough solar panels to provide about one megawatt of energy, the annual usage of up to 900 homes.

It is also home to a power station providing electricity for homes in Thanet using combined heat and power technology, which recycles excess heat and carbon dioxide back into the greenhouses to help plants grow.