ONE of Thirsk's untidy corners is to be renovated and its buildings brought back into use.

A number of listed buildings which have fallen into disuse at the north side of Castlegarth are to be altered and converted into dwellings by Seeger Homes.

The developers have recently completed a similar conversion scheme on old buildings on Picks Lane, Thirsk.

Five additional dwellings will be created by the conversion of the existing outbuildings at the rear of the site and the design will create a further two houses and six flats in the three-storey frontage building in addition to two shop units.

Parking space will be provided for each residential property.

Planning officer Maurice Cann told yesterday's development control committee that the buildings had been in a dilapidated state and on the market for some years. It had taken a long time for anyone to take an interest in them.

A key issue was the highway concerns, but the merits of the plan far outweighed the de-merits, he said.

Some concern was expressed about the roof lights planned on the properties.

Coun David Murkett, said: "Would it be possible to put in dormer windows instead of a row of flat roof lights?

"It's a nonsense to do it any other way. Otherwise, I wish the developers well."

The plan was approved with action to be taken to see if roof lights could be replaced with dormer windows.