An important historic building in Elstree in a state of disrepair, has moved one step closer to becoming a home again.

Norman Shuker, the owner of Schopwick Place, a Georgian house more than 250 years old, has been given permission to renovate the Grade II-listed building in Elstree High Street.

The Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society welcomed Mr Shuker's plans to make Schopwick Place, a Georgian house built between 1710 and 1730, into a family home.

Mr Shuker, joint chief executive of Borehamwood-based Pinnacle Insurance PLC, plans to keep the core of the house largely as it is, with some parts being added and rebuilt.

Hertsmere Borough Council granted planning permission, and listed building consent, for: restoring the outside of the house; re-building a coach house pulled down in 1881; replacing an eye-sore early 20th-century extension, with a bay; building an indoor swimming pool; erecting new gates, piers and wrought iron railings, and internal alterations.

But, according to Mr Shuker, the council would not allow as much garaging as he wanted, and said the pool should be in a more contemporary style, rather than the requested Georgian style.

Mr Shuker, who bought the house for £865,000 in June last year, said: "The council has pretty much gone along with everything that we wanted."

But he added: "I am disappointed we did not get everything we asked for."

The permission, granted by a council planning officer, includes conditions to safeguard the historic interest and character of the house, such as building materials and methods being approved in advance by the council.

The council also wants to approve, in advance, the noise that will come from the swimming pool plant room, having received two letters from concerned nearby Barton Court residents.

Planning officer Ian Runeckles said permission was granted, following negotiations with Mr Shuker and the amending of the scheme.

Green Belt Society spokeswoman Jenny Jacoby said: "We feel it can only be a good thing for Elstree village to have this very important and beautiful historic building back in working order, as a family home."

Mr Shuker, who has lived in Elstree for 17 years, said: "I am looking forward to when I have got it to a state where I can look at it and say: 'Yes, that is a huge improvement and it is ready for the next 100 years', and sitting on the back lawn, when it is all done, with a glass of champagne celebrating."

He hopes building work, expected to take at least six months, will start this year.

The house, which has around 20 rooms, fell into disrepair after becoming empty two years ago when retired GP Dr Winn Everett died. It was inherited by Commander Peter Everett who sold it at auction. County archives show a Schopwick Place, although not the present building, existed in 1528.