A derelict mansion in Stoke Newington could finally be brought back into use after the council announced plans to redevelop the site.

St Mary’s Lodge in Lordship Road, built in 1843, has been in a state of disrepair since being gutted in a 2005 fire.

Years of wrangling between the council and different owners over its future use had until now ended in a stalemate.

But now a brief has been published outlining the options, including restoring the building, a school and housing at the back of the lodge.

The town hall’s planning chief, Cllr Guy Nicholson said: “This will provide a set of guidelines for the future development, with the intention of bringing this historic building back to life.”

Owner Keren Habinyan, a charity linked to the local Vishnitz-sect Hasidic community, has also listed the building for sale, though the town hall says that won’t affect the plans.

Have your say at consultation.hackney.gov.uk.