A VICTORIAN mansion described as being of "immense local importance" is to be turned into flats.

Tunstall Court, built for the Furness shipbuilding family who helped create West Hartlepool, has been derelict in recent years and a magnet for vandals and arsonists.

Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee has now decided to allow the Ruttle Group to turn it into flats.

The 30-room building is too dangerous for anyone to enter at present after being targeted by arsonists more than 30 times in five years.

The house, which was once owned by the council, will be turned into 16 flats, with 12 detached homes in the grounds.

The Victorian Society objected, arguing the refurbishment would "rob it of almost all historic interest". Hartlepool Civic Society also objected, saying: "Tunstall Court is a building of immense local interest and importance."

However, ward councillor Ray We lls said there was a lot of local support for "sorting the building out".

Noting the Victorian facade would remain, he said: "I think the people of the area will be delighted this problem will finally be sorted out."

Councillors voted in favour of the application by ten votes to five.