THE owners of a Rossendale riding centre are set to build eight chalets for people taking part in competitions.

Rossendale Council's development control committee approved the application for the chalets at Croft Top Farm, Rising Bridge.

Four letters of objection were sent by neighbouring residents outlining concerns including increased traffic and noise, loss of greenbelt land, and that, if granted, the chalets would be used all year round rather than only when events were on, as the application conditions stipulate.

But members voted to approve the plans, agreeing that the centre was a valuable and popular facility in Rossendale.

Coun Jimmy Eaton said: "It is a very well-used and well-organised site, and they do have a number of three-day events which the chalets are needed for."

Coun Alan Neal added: "The chalets will actually reduce the traffic movement during longer events so competitiors are not travelling every day."