WORK is finally due to begin on converting the redundant Bedale courtroom into a private house.
Tony Roebuck, of Masham, has concluded lengthy talks with owner North Yorkshire County Council to buy the 96-year-old building at the top of Aiskew Bank.
The building was placed on the property market after Bedale court was closed in 1996.
Hambleton planners looked favourably on Mr Roebuck's scheme, which was given conditional approval by councillors in November 1999.
Property dealer Mr Roebuck and his wife, Mary, envisage a kitchen in the rear court extension dating from 1972, a lounge and dining room in the main court area and bedrooms in the former magistrates' and solicitors' offices on the ground and first floors.
The sale of the courthouse by Mouchel, the Northallerton property consultancy, depended on planning permission being granted.
Mr Roebuck said this week: "It has taken quite a long time to negotiate through the county council solicitor and I have been busy in other directions, but we have just bought the building."
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