Plans to restore fire-damaged listed building in Mudeford

The proposed repair works are described as ‘essential’ to return The Moorings building in Mudeford to its original state.

The 18th-century house, which is a Grade II* listed building, was badly damaged by an electrical fire in September 2021.

Its roof was engulfed in flames when an electrical fire broke out in the attic.

Emergency services attended the scene, and the road was closed for two hours as firefighters battled the blaze.

The Moorings building after the fire (Image: Scott Worsfold Associates)

The fire caused extensive damage to the roof and below, while there was water damage to surfaces and floor constructions, with ceilings collapsing and structural fabric “seriously affected”.

At the time of the incident, the building, used for residential purposes, was covered in scaffolding amid renovation works which were nearing completion.

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Now, a planning application seeking listed building consent for the repair, restoration and conservation of The Moorings has been granted by BCP Council.

According to the application, prepared by Scott Worsfold Associates, the scope of the works has been agreed by a BCP conservation officer.

The Moorings building before the fire (Image: Scott Worsfold Associates)

The design and access statement reads: “The nature of the works, extent of damage and the process of reinstatement and repair is fluid and organic, with actions and works evolving as the extent of works, conservation, repair and new construction is encountered, analysed and planned.

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“As such, a process of liaison with BCP, through a listed building application, with constant review and agreement, culminating with retrospective consent was, deemed the most efficient, responsive, and responsible plan to see repairs and actions applied but with accord and to see the building repaired.”

Recommending the scheme for approval, a planning officer said the proposed works will “not change the overall original pre-fire appearance of the front elevations in the street scene” and will therefore have an “acceptable impact upon the character of the area”.

The planning officer also agreed that the plans would “preserve the significance of the listed building” and facilitate the ongoing residential use of the property.