PLANNING permission has been granted for a Grade II listed building, allowing work to turn it into a hotel and restaurant to go ahead.

North Herts District Council has given the green light for window and roof alterations, as well as internal modifications, to be made to the former George and Dragon on Hitchin Street in Baldock.

Owner Hamid Sabahipour wants to reopen the building, which has stood empty for more than four years, as a 14-bedroom hotel and restaurant with a brasserie.

Mr Sabahipour, who also owns Zeus Hotel and Restaurant in Baldock High Street, said: β€œIt’s full steam ahead.”

The new business is expected to open by the end of the year.