ROSSENDALE's new bus depot will be based at Knowsley Park Way in Haslingden.

Rossendale planning committee unanimously agreed the proposal, with a condition to speak to local residents about providing an acoustic barrier.

Barry Drelincourt of Rossendale Transport said: "We've listened to people and we are at the heart of the community. We provide a service for nearly 50 schools and drive over a million miles a year."

He said he was happy to erect a fence at the site to prevent noise disturbance.

Coun Anne Cheetham spoke in favour of the project: "We have looked carefully at numerous sites over months.

"At the moment the residents have no problems with it being on this site.

"We do need public transport so let's hope we can maintain a very successful company which will be used by the residents safely and comfortably."

Now The Lidl chain has submitted a planning application to build a new supermarket on part of that site.

The move will mean the transfer of 180 staff from Rawtenstall town centre, with the new site becoming the base for the firm's 90 vehicles.