ONE of Winchester’s grandest houses is set to be returned to its original use. As a home.

The city council has given permission for 17th century Hyde Abbey House on Hyde Street to have a change of use from offices to a single family dwelling. Planning officers made the decision under their delegated powers.

Applicant Palace Capital (Signal) Limited was asked for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.

Hyde in Living Memory, produced by the Hyde 900 local history group, said the building was a private hotel and restaurant from 1950 to 1975. It was a school from 1750 to 1855 and famous old boys included George Canning, British prime minister in 1827 and Thomas Garnier a former Dean of Winchester, after whom Dean Garnier Garden and Garnier Road in St Cross are named.

Local councillor Dominic Hiscock said: “It will make a wonderful home but will need a fair bit of work but it has some fantastic ceilings, a walled garden that is currently a car park.”