Mrs Gaskell's House in Plymouth Grove, Ardwick is a Grade II* listed Regency style villa built in the 1830s and is one of the few Regency style villas left in Manchester and still has many of its original features.

The famous author Elizabeth Gaskell lived there between 1850-65 and the house remained in her family until 1913.

Work carried out will include repairing dry rot, a new roof, new drains and lime plaster on the exterior walls. The original features will also be restored as well as the house being given disabled access, and a lift to all the floors.

Once work is completed, the house will be used for a wide range of community events, exhibitions and meetings.

Janet Allan, chairman of the Manchester Historic Buildings Trust which owns the house, said:

"This is excellent news, having this permission will allow us to bring the building back to its former glory so that everyone can enjoy it.

"We have enough money to fund some of the first phrase and are in the process of raising the rest of the £2.5m that is required. We are working closely with Manchester City Council, English Heritage and many other bodies.

"Any donations to help bring this fabulous building up-to-date are most welcome."