Bus company submits 'depot of the future' plan

COUNCIL CONSIDERS PROPOSALS TO REPLACE 'WORN AND DATED' BUILDING

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

The depot will have a roof terrace, gym and canteen

A BUS company's plans for a new "depot of the future" including a gym and engineers' "think tank" are being considered by Stockton Council.

Stagecoach North East has asked for planning permission to build a replacement bus depot, with a three-storey office building including a staff gym, canteen and roof terrace, off Portrack Lane and Church Road in Stockton.

The proposal is meant to modernise and make better use of the site, having already installed equipment to electrify 66 buses.

According to a planning statement, the current depot is in a state of disrepair and the proposed development will replace existing "worn and dated bus depot buildings" which are now deemed too large to serve any purpose and "exceed what is necessary for the efficient operation of an electric vehicle bus fleet."