South Derbyshire District Council has approved a National Highways facility near the A38/A50 Toyota Roundabout. The compound will centralise winter road treatments, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response operations, employing 50 staff and housing six gritters.
Designed for 24/7 operations, the site will feature offices, a garage, fuel and wash stations, and a large salt storage container. National Highways expects the facility to improve response times for snow clearance, gritting, and other severe weather interventions, ensuring critical routes remain operational within required service windows.
While residents raised concerns over traffic, noise, and round-the-clock activity, planners determined that economic and operational benefits outweigh the impact on nearby properties. The compound is also expected to generate indirect support for local businesses through staff expenditure.
The development reflects a wider trend of strategic investment in road infrastructure, emphasising operational readiness and community support while meeting regulatory and service obligations on key transport networks.
