Planners have given the go ahead for a £1.5m Co-op store to be built on a former bus depot in Whittlesey – creating up to 15 jobs.

Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd won consent from Fenland planners for the build off the A605 fronting Finkle Lane.

The site is the former Morley’s bus depot but because it is within the conservation area of the town, the Co-op had also submitted a heritage assessment.

Bus depot buildings on the .23ha site will be demolished and the site cleared for a 372sqm store.

The application also includes proposals for a terrace of three homes front Low Cross.

Speaking at a planning meeting last week, Councillor Dee Laws said: “I think we have to be mindful that this site has been a eyesore and un-kept. For some people who are elderly it can be a distance to walk into town so I can understand this being used as a top-up shop in this location.”

The Co-op says the store will “positively enhance” the conservation area and is unlikely to impact on other retailers in the town.

There will be a separate pedestrian access from West End with dedicated disabled parking.