HOPES for an international music school in Dovercourt have moved a step closer after planners gave it the green light.

Barry Myhre, who is involved with the piano school at Goldsmiths College, in London, had applied to Tendring Council to turn Harwich Magistrates’ Court into a school and home.

The first floor of the 1900s building, which has cells and interview rooms, will have practice and teaching rooms, and student accommodation.

The ground floor will include a rehearsal and performance area, which groups can hire and the caretaker’s home would be turned into an apartment, where Mr Myhre plans to live.