OWNERS of what planners describe as a neglected building in Knaresborough High Street could soon be ordered to carry out repairs to the Grade II listed structure.

Conservation officers at Harrogate Borough Council are recommending members of Knaresborough area planning committee serve a repair notice on owners of 82-82a High Street, described by officials as "sadly neglected".

A report to next Tuesday's planning meeting says the building is owned by Bampton Property Group Limited, a subsidiary of the Freshwater Group of Companies which acquired the premises as part of a takeover of another company in the 1970s.

Planning officials say although the ground floor of 82 High Street is occupied by a hairdresser, the upper floors of 82 and the whole of 82a are unoccupied and have been since at least April 1990.

Eight years ago planning permission was granted for conversion of upper floors into flats, but never implemented after a feasibility study on behalf of Freshwater concluded it would not be viable.

In 1999, Knaresborough Chamber of Trade complain-ed the property was having a blighting effect on the High Street.

If the repairs notice is granted and works are not carried out within a specified time the council can start proceedings for compulsory purchase of the property.