PLANS detailing Nelson's long-awaited new bus station, which is expected to kick-start vital regeneration in the town centre, are set to go before planning councillors for the first time.

Lancashire County Council has submitted an outline application for the construction of the "bus rail interchange", which includes pedestrianising Railway Street.

The plans will be scrutinised by the Nelson Committee of Pendle Borough Council on January 10. They have already been given the approval of planning officer Stan Healey, who has raised no objections.

The replacement bus station will be built next to the railway station on the car park opposite the Station Hotel, land bounded by Broadway, Broad Street, Stanworth Road, and Railway Street. The interchange is expected to feature a fully-enclosed passenger concourse with travel offices, a cafe, newsagents, toilets, electronic passenger information screens, and CCTV coverage.

The planning report states that ten bus bays, some retail kiosks, and toilets, are shown constructed alongside the railway boundary, providing a link to the railway station. The end of Hibson Road will provide a car turning circle, and taxi pick-up area.

The entrance to the bus station will be where the Hibson Road shops are currently situated, and the exit will be on Broad Street. The current junction of Hibson Road with Broadway will be sealed and grassed over.