Manufacturer lodges plans for eco-office

A family-owned company, which manufactures steel containers, has lodged plans for a new eco-office at the site of the former Chilton Colliery.The Metal Drum Company was founded in the 1950s and purchased the engineering workshops of Chilton Colliery in County Durham.Under new plans, the business wants to demolish its existing “derelict” office building and replace it with a new two-storey energy efficiency passive office.A planning statement said that the project “aims to propose a new contemporary office facility adopting high environmental performance standards and passive office principles”.It added: “The new office space is intended to be both well insulated and ventilated, and of high quality construction, whilst the robust material palette and attention to detail on the façades improves overall the visual appearance of the surrounding area.”An enclosed courtyard and 12 space car parking area will also be constructed as part of the scheme.