The future of Elvaston Castle is set to be announced.

Derbyshire County Council needs financial help to maintain Elvaston Castle. A working party is backing a deal leasing it to Highgate Sanctuary.

Land not used by the public would be used for a championship golf course, with the castle becoming a hotel.

The scheme, chosen by a group of councillors on Monday, needs approval at two further meetings.

This is a bid which will see the castle and estate returned to its former glory Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council

Some 33,000 people signed a petition calling for the site to remain open to the public.

The council said public access to Elvaston Castle Country Park, car park and showground, is guaranteed with the proposal by the London-based group.

It has repeatedly said it was not selling off the site, but it did need a partner for financial reasons.

A council working party looked at several bids from potential partners and backed the proposal from Highgate Sanctuary.

Lottery bid

The project would see the transformation of the stables into a craft centre and cafe, as well as the hotel and golf course.

The private firm's plans for the estate would be part of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore the historic core gardens.

Councillor Bob Janes, chair of the Elvaston Castle Working Party, said: "This is a bid which will see the castle and estate returned to its former glory so local people and visitors can enjoy it for many years to come."

Monday's recommendation from the working party goes to cabinet in October and the full council in November for a final decision.