TWO historic buildings have been sold off in advance of a new development in North Yorkshire.

The Manor House and Springfield House in Stokeseley - both Grade II-listed and together valued at more than £1.4m - have been sold by the county council as surplus to requirements.

It follows the authority's commitment to the creation of a £7m community facility at the town's old highways depot, in partnership with Hambleton District Council and Broadacres Housing Association.

A large part of the Town Close scheme will provide apartments with 24-hour care and communal facilities on-site for older people in Stokesley and the surrounding area, which will replace the Springfield House residential home.

Town Close also replaces the Manor House library development with a modern community resource centre, council one-stop-shop, and a new home for the Community Care Association.

Carl Les, the county's executive member for corporate services, said: "Selling off these properties means the council can continue with its investment programme to improve the delivery of front-line services."

Weatherhead Construction, of Guisborough, has bought the Manor House site and plans to create a GP surgery, dental surgery, creche, restaurant with private dining facilities and offices on the site.

Springfield House has been bought by local businessman Brian Andrews who said: "A scheme for the site is currently on the drawing board and will be presented in the not too distant future to the necessary authorities."