THE "blackened tooth in Malton's smile" could be completely rebuilt within a year, The Press can reveal today.

The derelict building in Wheelgate was gutted by fire four years ago - and has been a blight on the town centre ever since.

For years, residents have called for the burnt embers of the former Dales flower shop to be torn down and the site redeveloped.

Now the Fitzwilliam Estate - which owns the building - has pledged to get contractors on site within 12 months to begin restoration work.

The estate plans to tear down the charred remains of the front faade and rebuild the rest of the property. It will be combined into one shop and let out to an as-yet unnamed retailer.

Ryedale District Council planning officer Alan Hunter said: "A large unit will increase the town's chances of attracting a larger retailer to the town, which could improve the vitality of Malton as a shopping destination and increase the attractiveness of the northern end of Wheelgate."

Emma Woodland, the council's conservation officer, said: "The building lies within the centre of the conservation area of Malton. This is the commercial core of Malton, one of the main trading streets and is, therefore, in a very prominent position."

She said the proposed shopfront design was "acceptable and will fit in very well into the streetscene of Wheelgate".

A spokesman for the Fitzwilliam Estate said: "From the receipt of an acceptable planning condition, we expect to be able to complete the tender stage and get the successful contractor on site within six months. However, the building industry is working at full capacity, and one year would be a more prudent commitment."

News of the redevelopment brings to an end years of speculation regarding the future of what has become one of Malton's worst eyesores.

In May this year, town councillor Chris Harding said: "It is ridiculous that after so long the building is in just the same state as it was after the fire."

A few months later, the chairman of Ryedale District Council's planning committee, Howard Keal, said: "I am aware that it is the blackened tooth in Malton's smile."

Fire swept through the building on October 31, 2002. The blaze started at about 1am and spread to neighbouring properties. It took 35 firefighters from Malton, York, Sherburn and Pickering more than three hours to bring it under control.

Planning permission must be granted before any work can begin. That will be discussed by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday.