MAJOR plans to extend the Denby Pottery visitor centre, creating up to 600 jobs, have been welcomed by a local councillor and families living nearby.

The firm has applied to Amber Valley Borough Council to build on its existing tourist attractions with a village-style development.

It would expand current retail and tourist facilities on the site and includes plans for an 80-bedroom hotel, a "village inn" and an outdoor activity centre.

Angela Cox, of Ryknield Hill in Denby, said that she welcomed the extension to the business.

She said: "I say good luck to them. You have to support local businesses.

"Denby is famous for its pottery so we need to keep hold of the history.

"Bringing more jobs to the area will have a boost for us and will get more people into work."

Lorraine Marples, who lives on Derby Road, said that she was glad the company was doing well.

The 67-year-old said: "I was very worried when I heard not so long ago that Denby Pottery might be in trouble.

"It would be such a shame if it was to go after all these years, so to hear that they are doing so well that they want to expand is great news.

"If it's creating a bigger and better attraction for people, then everyone should be behind it. Good luck to Denby."

John Rayner, of Ryknield Hill, said: "Making it bigger won't impact on my life at all, so to expand the already successful business is a great thing to do.

"Bringing more jobs to the area – which is easily accessible – can only be a good thing for the local economy and wider area of Derby."

Norman Bull, ward councillor for Denby, also welcomed the plans for the extended visitors centre.

He said: "I have known about the plans for the Denby centre for some time now and I am pleased they have been submitted to the council for consideration.

"It is some good fortune for the company, considering not too long ago they were looking over their shoulder, worried that they would have to close for good. I'm delighted they are doing well and looking far into the future."

He also said the extension would be a good investment for Amber Valley.

He said: "We have many tourist attractions in the Amber Valley and another will only improve on the number of visitors each year.

"We are on the A38 corridor which can welcome people from the north and from the south into the area."

Denby Pottery has been based on the site since 1809.

In 2009 it went into administration and 46 people were made redundant.

The company was bought out by the senior management team and became Denby Potteries Ltd, but a further 15 jobs were cut.

However, after taking over Stoke-on-Trent-based pottery firm Burgess, Dorling and Leigh Limited in July 2010 and reviving it, the company is doing well and wants to expand.