A GRADE II-listed stately home built more than three centuries ago could be transformed into a regional business and enterprise centre.

Grantley Hall, near Ripon, is used as an adult education centre by North Yorkshire County Council, as well as for training and social functions.

However, its use is declining and the authority's cabinet is being recommended to declare the building surplus to requirements when it meets next week.

Talks have been taking place with an unnamed party with a view to creating a regional centre of excellence for rural enterprise, meeting a range of business development and regeneration needs.

The cabinet is now being asked to pursue those talks with the developer and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

A report to the authority said: "The proposal is an exciting and innovative prospect and would provide the county council with an opportunity to be an active participant in the venture."

Grantley Hall is the former home of Sir Christopher Furness, who extended and developed the 17th Century property into the building as it stands today.

During the Second World War, it was used as a convalescent home for wounded servicemen and in the late-1940s, was bought by the former West Riding County Council for £13,500.

It was used as an adult education residential college before passing to North Yorkshire County Council after the local government reorganisation of 1974.