AN 18th Century stately home has won unanimous backing to secure its long-term future with a development on its estate.

Newby Hall, between Ripon and Boroughbridge, famous for its gardens which tumble down to the River Ure, can go ahead with a development centred on its stable block.

Members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council gave their full backing to plans to convert the stables into 14 office suites, restoration of the orangery and to pulling down a stables extension.

The stables are Grade I listed, forming a quadrangle of two storeys, while a watering trough in the centre of the courtyard is Grade II listed and the orangery has the same protected status.

Newby Hall, a country house built by Robert Adam, is set in 25 acres of award-winning gardens. It is owned by Richard Compton and family.

Councillors were told that the additional revenue would help Newby Hall continue to be a viable tourist attraction, which was important to the local rural economy.