A SCHEME to redevelop the ‘eyesore’ Assize Courts has been approved, possibly ending planning controversy which has surrounded the building for decades.

Owners Gatewell Limited received the go ahead on Tuesday to convert the Grade II listed building in Northgate Street, Devizes, into flats with the central foyer being transformed into a community space.

Gatewell said that work would begin this year if planning permission was given.

After a succession of failed schemes to redevelop the Assize Courts by Gatewell and previous owners, Martin Henneberry, agent for the owners, said there was a determination in his company to succeed this time.

He said: “We have accepted it can’t stay as it is. We have spent thousands of pounds on getting to this stage. It would be lovely to see this scheme happen.”

Mayor of Devizes, Coun Sue Evans, said: “It can’t go on looking like it does. I am particularly pleased that the developers have thought of the community when they drew up their plans.

“It would be lovely to have another community space that can be booked for events.”

The building was designed and built in 1835 by Thomas Wyatt, who was also responsible for the main buildings at the former Roundway Hospital.

The courts have been closed for nearly 30 years, the last case being heard in the late 1970s. In the 1980s the building was sold off.

A planning application to convert it to flats was thrown out in 1989 after English Heritage objected and it has been the subject of numerous other applications, notably for conversion to a night club and gym.

Ted East, chairman of the Trust for Devizes, said: “The trust has encouraged and supported this proposal. It would preserve a building of importance which has been an eyesore for far too long.

“The architectural design is of high quality and retains the original appearance of the building.

“In other circumstances, the trust would object to new residential accommodation without parking provision, but that is a necessary compromise in this case.

“Our hope is that the scheme will now prove to be financially viable and that work can begin in time to prevent the building becoming totally derelict.”