A PLAN to generate additional income needed to secure a stately home's long-term future is being recommended for approval.

Family-owned Newby Hall, at Skelton-on-Ure, near Ripon, has tabled a planning application to convert its stable block into 14 office suites, restoring an orangery and pulling down an extension to the stables.

The stables, dating from the 18th Century, are Grade I, forming a quadrangle of two storeys. A watering trough in the centre of the courtyard is Grade II listed, while the orangery is also Grade II.

When members of Knaresborough area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council meet on Tuesday they will be recommended to approve the scheme.

Planning officer Neville Watson said the scheme will generate additional income necessary to secure the long-term future of Newby Hall, which he described as an irreplaceable asset in the district.

Newby Hall is set in 25 acres of award-winning gardens alongside the River Ure and is owned by Richard Compton and family.