PLANS to convert the former magistrates’ court in Newport into offices were given the green light by planners.

The Ministry of Justice Shared Services department won listed building consent to carry out internal works to the Grade IIlisted building in Pentonville, which has been empty for around three years.

Planners said the proposed renovation work, which includes removing partition walls put in when the building was converted into a magistrates’ court in the 1950s, were welcomed as it would return the building to a layout close to its original form.

The council’s conservation officer raised no objections to other improvements, which will include general decoration to floors, walls and ceilings, rewiring, new lighting and repairs to external doors.

Toilets will be upgraded, a new kitchen will be put in on the first floor and new fire doors will be installed.

A previous report to the council’s planning officers said all existing original court features, including fixed furniture and feature fireplaces, would be retained, and there were no planned alterations to the external facade or structureof the building.

Once completed the building, which was built in 1905 as the City of Newport Tredegar Estates Office, will house large offices and meeting-rooms.