Ashfield District Council has lodged plans for a new depot to improve service delivery.
Proposals, subject to approval, would see investment in the current depot at Station Road in Sutton, enabling the council to further enhance service delivery for residents in the district.
As part of the plans, a new energy efficient building will be constructed and infrastructure will be put in place to enable increased use of electric vehicles, saving money on traditional fuel costs.
These are not only quieter for local residents, but also helps the council work towards its Cleaner and Greener priority, with a target of Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030.
If approved, the new building would be home to the council’s services including waste collections and street cleansing and would serve as a base for more than 270 staff.
The new depot would also allow for the training of the council’s workforce of the future through a partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.
The intention is for the college to use the site as a campus for vehicle maintenance and civil engineering, creating facilities for apprenticeships and other courses. This will provide local residents with 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.”
