One of Dorking's most iconic buildings is set to undergo a £3 million revamp after years of standing empty.

The landmark old fire station site in West Street will be transformed into a shop and new homes under plans approved by Mole Valley District Council members.

Mole Valley Housing Association said it now hopes to restore the imposing Victorian building to its former glory with its plans to build 16 shared-ownership flats and a ground-floor retail unit.

The proposals were welcomed by councillors at a development control meeting on Wednesday August 5.

Speaking at the meeting district councillor Margaret Cooksey (Lib Dem, Dorking South) said: "I am very pleased that there is so much affordable housing going into this building and more than pleased that we are putting it into use after all this time before it falls down completely.

"It is such a wonderful building and so important in the street scene that we really need to have the work done."

Concern was raised at the meeting over access and parking for Dorking Nursery, situated behind the building.

But Surrey County Council has told the district council that land next to the site could be used to provide a new parking area, and has told planning officers to expect the proposals soon.

The council said it will also pursue plans to give parents and staff temporary parking permits in a nearby car park during construction work.

Dominating the street's western entrance, the former public hall was built in 1871 and designed by architects Charles Driver and Charles H Rew.

It was a former fire station but has also had a chequered life as home to a county court, magistrates court, theatre, cinema and library headquarters.

Surrey County Council took over the building from the district council in 1948 and it was used by the fire brigade until 1971.

It was later used a library book store, but the towering block stood empty for several years while Surrey County Council decided its future.

MVHA said the refurbishment was due to start early next year.

The scheme has been made possible with grant support from both Mole Valley District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.