A new pizza restaurant is set to open at a prime Ramsbottom site after plans were approved.

The former Station Hotel building on Bridge Street, more recently a Betfred bookmakers, is set to become a sit down restaurant for "freshly made pizza", according to documents published by the council.

The news of investment in a new hospitality venue in the town comes after two recent closure announcements, both of which were "body blows" to the town’s leisure offering.

Last Friday, the renowned Chocolate Café on Bolton Street announced it will close after 15 years.

Owner Philip Hargreaves, said the cost of living crisis was "hitting us at both ends".

He said goods and energy costs had increased by more than 40 per cent and "in some cases doubled".

Three weeks ago, Levanter, a Spanish restaurant in the town, closed after nine years.

The owners had been forced to close its spin-off bar and dining room space on Smithy Street in January this year due to the cost of living crisis.

At that time the restaurant said it was "impossible to keep all our doors open for now".

The new restaurant at the Station Hotel building has now received planning permission.

A design and access statement supporting the plans said: “The proposal would provide internal seating area for patrons to enjoy hot cooked food, especially for shoppers, whilst also providing a new food outlet service for the local community.

“The proposal intends to also provide much needed economic boost to the existing area by providing a new restaurant within the parade with seating.

“The vacant unit will be converted to provide new flavours of food for the community with freshly made pizza.”

The site sits within Ramsbottom Conservation Area however the building is not listed or locally protected.

However, a note from the Ramsbottom Conservation Area Management Plan mentions the building is deemed to make a positive continuation to the character and appearance of the conservation area.