TOWN councillors in Knutsford have backed plans for the Sessions House to be turned into an auction house.

At the beginning of February, Church Hill-based Wright Marshall informed the town of its intention to move into the building to relocate its auction house and antiques and Fine Arts centre.

The firm explained that it had outgrown its current premises and were looking into the possibility of acquiring the Sessions House and announcing it as its new home.

Peter Ashburner, Wright Marshall’s director of fine arts, said: “We have been expanding for a number of years and it has got to a point where our current building really is too small."

As a result of the announcement Knutsford Town Council organised a special council meeting at the town council offices on February 12 where it discussed Wright Marshall's bid for the site.

Adam Keppel-Garner, town clerk, told the Guardian the council supported the idea that Wright Marshall set up its business in the historic building.

"Members resolved that the town council has sought and recognises the views of members of the community at a public meeting that their preferred use of the Sessions House is as an Auction House/Fine Art and Antiques Salesroom with some community space provided," he said,

"Members further resolved that the preservation of the building is paramount and to support the development of some community space within the building. Members resolved to express these views to HMCTS, George Osborne MP and the Ministry of Justice."

The future of the Grade II* listed building has been in question since its owners, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, decided to permanently close Knutsford Crown Court in October 2014.

The iconic Toft Road building, which has been home to the court since circa 1815, was put on the market with a price tag of approximately £720,000.