TWO buildings which have been left derelict for years may finally going to be put back to good use.

Swindon's oldest house, which stands in Newport Street, Old Town, and a neglected pub in Rodbourne Road, have finally attracted the interest of developers.

The property developer wanting to work on Swindon's oldest house - the grade II-listed number 17 and 18 in Newport Street,has asked the council for permission to return it to its former glory.

Cliff Spanswick bought the house 2003 and plans to reverse the numerous alterations made to it over the years.

The building, which is believed to date back to the 1700s had previously been converted into an art gallery on the ground floor and a single home on the second and third floors.

A glass conservatory was added at the back of number 18 at some point in the 20th Century, but has become a target for vandals and will be demolished.

Mr Spanswick's agent David Buckley said: "The intention is to convert the building back to its original use or two separate dwellings.

"The building had in fact received full planning permission to convert to seven individual flats.

"However, this has proven to be commercially unviable and a complete rethink has taken place.

"It was also decided to carry out as little alteration as possible to ensure the character and charm of the building remains unaltered."

After visiting the building, listed building conservation officer Liz Smith pointed out two original fireplaces from the 1700s and she will be consulted before the colour of the external paintwork is chosen.

All of the original, unbroken tiles on the roof will be moved to the front of the houses, and new ones closely matched to the originals will be added at the back.

The owner of the abandoned bar in Rodbourne Road, which was most recently called The Village, has applied for permission to change its use to a restaurant, two shops and six flats.

The owner of the building stretching from numbers 208 to 211 in Rodbourne Road had a previous application to convert it into a café, two shops and eight flats rejected last year.

Council planners are expected to make their decisions on both the Newport Street and Rodbourne Road properties later this month.