The house where novels including Cranford and Wives and Daughters were penned has been given the go ahead to receive a £2.5 million upgrade.

Mrs Gaskell's House in Plymouth Grove, Ardwick was recently granted planning permission by Manchester City Council for the restoration to begin.

The famous author Elizabeth Gaskell lived there between 1850-65 and the house remained in her family until 1913. The house has important literary associations not only because of her work, but also because of visits from other authors of the era including Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte.

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The Grade II listed Regency style Villa was built in the 1830s and the permission will allow a range of work to be carried out. It is one of the few Regency style villas left in Manchester and still has many of its original features.

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

Councillor Richard Cowell, Executive Member for Planning and the Environment for Manchester City Council said: "Elizabeth Gaskell was one of Manchester's great daughters and her former home has historic interest to the city. The planning permission will allow the vital work that is needed to be carried out - so we can all continue to enjoy it for many years to come."

(CD/JM)