Nottinghamshire council submits new depot plan as site 'cannot be safely maintained any further'

If approved the new building would serve as a base for more than 270 people

A council has submitted plans to build a new depot for its waste collection and street cleaning services after stating the site cannot be safely maintained any further. If approved the proposals would see an investment at the site on Station Road, Sutton In Ashfield, to help enhance service delivery for residents.

It would include the construction of a new energy-efficient building and infrastructure put in place to enable increased use of electrical vehicles. Using these vehicles would help the council save money on fuel costs, be quiet for residents and also help the council work towards its cleaner and greener priority, as it hopes to reach Zero Carbon Emmissions by 2030.

If the plans are approved, the new building would serve as a base for more than 270 staff members and it would also allow for the training of the council's workforce of the future through a partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

It is hoped that the college will be able to use the site as a campus for vehicle maintenance and civil engineering, creating facilities for apprenticeships and other courses. This would also help provide local residents with more practical training opportunities alongside active council services.

John Bennett, executive director for Place at Ashfield District Council said: “If approved, the introduction of this new depot building will ensure the council can continue to deliver essential services for local residents such as collecting waste and recycling. It enables us to future-proof both our services and workforce over a significant number of years.

“It also allows the council to adapt to the Government’s legislation changes for simpler recycling which are being introduced from April 2025. The former depot building, which was built more than half a century ago, is no longer fit for purpose and cannot be safely maintained any further.

“We are investing into improving this site and therefore services for local people and to help save money as a local authority in the long term. We are also looking for opportunities to reduce the impact of the depot on people living nearby. This site will be cheaper to run, meaning we will be able to invest more in services moving forwards.”