PLANS to return a late-17th Century cottage to a community museum look likely to be approved.

Winkies Castle, in Marske, is a rare example of a period cottage, with a partial cruck frame supporting the roof and retaining many other original features.

In the early 1970s the property was acquired and restored by local shoemaker Jack Anderson, then converted to a private museum to house his local history collection.

Mr Anderson died in 2001 and left the building to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council on condition that it remained a museum.

The council lacked the resources to fund and staff the museum, so it appealed to the community for volunteers. The Friends of Winkies Castle was formed as a result.

A report to Redcar and Cleveland Council's planning committee, which meets on Thursday, says: "The current proposals are the result of several years' work by the Friends to prepare the ground for repairs and improvements which will enable Winkies Castle to move forward into the 21st Century to serve a new generation.

"They have been put together in consultation with the local community and funds to carry out the works are being sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Coastal Arc, as well as other sources."

The proposals consist of replacing the existing lean-to conservatory with a slightly larger extension in which to provide facilities for the volunteers who will staff the museum.

A new dormer is proposed above the staircase to improve headroom for visitors climbing the stairs to the upper floor, and the rear outbuildings, including the lavatories, are to be repaired and brought back into use.

Committee members are being asked to approve the plan.