North Wales Hospital's council purchase agreed

Plans to restore a derelict Victorian hospital in north Wales have taken a major step forward, officials said.

Denbighshire council said the Welsh government had upheld its bid to purchase North Wales Hospital in Denbigh from its owners.

Owner Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd had opposed the compulsory purchase.

In August it lost appeal over a £900,000 bill paid by the council for emergency repairs. The council wanted the protected building to be saved.

It has agreed to pass ownership of the building to the North Wales Building Preservation Trust, a non profit-making organisation which will receive support from the Princes Regeneration Trust.

The council said the trust would manage the restoration by developing neighbouring land and using the profit to fund the "restoration of the most important listed buildings and the demolition of a number of less important buildings".

Councillor David Smith, cabinet lead member for environment, said: "The minister's decision totally vindicates the great efforts made by the council and its partners to protect this important historic site for future generations."