The MMD site in Somercotes

MMD bids to build staff leisure facilities at Somercotes factory

Posted by: Laura Hammond

Fri 24th June 2022

Staff at a factory in Somercotes could soon benefit from a gym and other leisure facilities if a new planning application is approved.

Mining Machinery Developments Ltd (MMD) wants to build a two-storey extension to its Cotes Park Lane office block to house new leisure facilities for staff.

If approved, the extension would be home to a gym, an area with pool tables and a table tennis table, and a large quiet room.

According to a design and access statement submitted to Amber Valley Borough Council as part of the application, the decision to improve staff facilities comes the the company’s “order book is constantly increasing”.

Explaining MMD’s plans, the document states: “Our proposal is for a two-storey extension to the office block which will offer their employees a range of leisure facilities.

“On the ground floor, these will include a gym with both male and female showers and changing rooms. A refreshment area with a kitchen serving foods, to include dining tables and chairs, and an area with pool tables and a table tennis table.

“On the first floor, there will be a buffet area adjacent to the conference room, large quiet room and an open air balcony with seating.”

There would be no change to the number of car park spaces required, nor would there be any increase in traffic to the site as a result of the proposal.

If approved, the extension would bring the factory’s staff facilities in line with other MMD sites around the world, including those in Australia, Mexico and the US.

MMD describes itself as a “world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of mineral processing solutions and associated machinery serving the mining, quarrying and recycling industries”.

You can view the planning application for the Alfreton site by visiting Amber Valley Borough Council’s planning portal and searching for reference AVA/2022/0536.

A decision regarding the planning application is expected in August.

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