A PLANNING application has been submitted to rebuild and repair damage to a hotel partially destroyed by fire last July.

Bindon House at Langford Budville suffered extensive damage to the east wing of the hotel in the fire with 12 crews working to extinguish the blaze thought to be accidental.

All visitors at the grade II listed luxury wellness retreat and wedding venue were able to be evacuated.

The roof of the wing collapsed destroying the second floor. The rooms below also suffered extensive smoke and water damage and the hotel has not reopened since the fire.

Plans to rebuild are now open to public consultation and look to restore the former hotel wing with sustainable natural materials specified (timber, natural slate, lime render and lime plaster) including the replacement of the entire roof covering and structure of the wing.

Work is also needed to the interiors of the bedrooms, bathrooms and corridors on the first and second floor that suffered water and smoke damage and exposure to the elements including fungal growth.

The east wing is currently covered with protective scaffolding to further safeguard the building.

Three pitched dormer windows will be replaced, a chimney stack rebuilt and features restored using a mixture of old and new to match the existing design and materials, such as Spanish slates on the roof. Extensive rewiring and lighting is also needed.

The planning statement concludes: “Conservation techniques will be utilised. Regarding the replacement roof and dormers, traditional details will be implemented and heritage style cast iron rainwater goods fitted.

“The proposed essential repairs will ensure the ongoing viable use of the heritage asset and will be built to match the pre-fire design.”

The planning application 21/26/0007/LB submitted to Somerset Council is out for public consultation until May 1.