Bacup residents have been celebrating after a planning application to build four semi-detached houses on green space was rejected.

Land at the corner of Coniston Way and Pendle Avenue was under threat after property developers lodged an application in July, to knock down trees and build on a patch of grass which is used for recreation.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported in October how angered residents had taken to social media to express their concerns over the development, and many had lodged official objections with the council.

Children in the area also exercised their right to protest by staging a demonstration on the land at the end of October where they brandished placards saying 'save the trees'.

On Thursday November 8, people in the area rejoiced after planning permission was refused by Rossendale borough council.

In a letter to residents, the council stated, among other reasons, that planning permission had been rejected because the space was made available to the public and is used for informal recreation and play.

They also stated the trees are subject to a Preservation Order and if permission was granted, it would result in the loss of trees that continue to make a positive contribution to public and visual amenity.

Delighted resident Hilary Fairclough said: "I feel all our hard work at pulling together as a community to save these trees and community green space has paid off.

"I felt angered that all those mature trees would be cut down and feel the council have made the right decision so future generations can enjoy this green space."