PLANS for one of Northallerton's oldest buildings to be transformed into a funeral parlour finally look likely to be approved after months of debate.

Funeral directors Seaton Leng are expected to be given permission to set up business at Register House, in Zetland Street, when Hambleton District Council's planning committee meets on Thursday.

The grade-II listed building has been empty since the North Yorkshire Probation Service moved out two years ago.

Northallerton and District Local History Society had declared its intention to turn the building into a museum, but was unable to produce detailed proposals in time.

Local people complained to the planning authority about the funeral parlour scheme, saying Zetland Street is not suitable for the purpose because it is a one-way street. They fear it might cause traffic congestion and create problems for the emergency services.

Protestors also said there were already three funeral directors' services in Northallerton and more hearses travelling through the town would create extra traffic problems.

A spokeswoman for Hambleton District Council's planning department said the proposals would not have an adverse impact.

She said: "The property will be available for business 24 hours per day, but in this town centre location this is considered acceptable."

The plans show the ground floor providing a reception and lounge, rest rooms, a garage area and embalming room.

A spokesman for Seaton Leng said: "We are aware that this building could have been considered for residential, use but our proposed use is on a much less intensive basis."

Register House was built in 1736 and was the original seat of public administration in the North Riding. It was one of four registry buildings set up in the country as a result of an Act of Parliament of 1735.

The building was later converted into a house and became the probation service's headquarters until it moved to South Parade in 1998.

North Yorkshire County Council recently agreed to sell Register House to Darlington-based Seaton Leng, subject to the company getting planning permission for the alterations.