A derelict hotel which once played host to writers and politicians is to be restored to its former glory.

Brighton and Hove city councillors have given developers the go-ahead to revamp the Grade-II listed Royal York Buildings, which has stood empty in Brighton's Old Steine for years.

Imperial Property, the London-based company also behind the renovation of the Lansdowne Place Hotel, in Lansdowne Place, Hove, submitted plans to the city council in October.

Councillors praised the proposals at a planning meeting on Wednesday and granted planning permission.

The restoration of the 28,000sq ft hotel, built in 1771, will create 51 en-suite hotel rooms and two restaurants. The top floor will be converted into a mix of eight one and two-bedroom apartments.

In the Victorian era the hotel was run by Sir Harry Preston and guests included the writer Charles Dickens and Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. It was sold to Brighton and Hove City Council's forerunner in 1929 and used as offices until 2003.

Green councillor Sue Paskins said: "Everyone was very much in favour of the plans and pleased the building is going to be restored and used again."

Imperial Property will contribute £60,000 towards the refurbishment of Pool Valley and real-time bus information, £10,000 towards Churchill Square's shopmobility scheme and £2,000 towards parking.