Update on redevelopment of Midhurst site damaged by fire

Firefighters spent two days tackling the blaze at The Angel Inn in Midhurst on March 16, 2023, with14 fire engines at the scene.

At the time of the fire, the hotel, which previously played guest to author H.G. Wells, was being used to house around 30 Ukrainian refugees who were safely evacuated.

The site has lain derelict ever since and frustration has mounted within the town about the Grade II listed structure’s deterioration.

The aftermath of the fire (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

This week, Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and the South Downs, said “enough is enough” and called for urgent action to rebuild the site. He said the state of the building is affecting town centre businesses.

“No one thought that three years after the terrible fire Midhurst residents would still be staring up at the hoardings that protect the decaying wall of the Angel Inn,” he said.

“And it is simply unacceptable. In that period, other traders have gone to the wall and visitors drifted away.

“The lack of progress to clear and rebuild the site to bring it back into use has been deeply felt by residents and businesses alike and enough is enough.

“It is time we had a backstop plan in place with the council using their statutory compulsory purchase powers to ‘step in’, if a planning application is not now brought forward within the next few weeks.

“I’m willing to play ‘honest broker’ on behalf the residents I represent to help all parties, but I am deeply concerned about the length of time this is taking and the damage being done.

“I’m also repeating once again my call for Chichester District Council to repeat the financial grant of £300,000 to the town which was made shortly after the fire by a previous administration, but with no further similar grant since.”

The South Downs National Park Authority said it shared people’s frustration about the amount of time that has passed since the fire, but confirmed plans are progressing regarding the damaged buildings.

A specialist practice is now advising the owners, the authority said, and a basic proposal has been put forward for the fire-damaged buildings that include the Angel Inn site.

The authority said several issues have caused there to be delays to this process, including insurers reaching a settlement with the owners.

Regarding calls to use its compulsory purchase powers, the authority said this is complex and all other routes “need to be exhausted before they are considered and granted by the courts”. It said its current priority is to work with the landowners to unlock development of the site “as soon as possible”.

Firefighters tackling the incident in 2023 (Image: PA)

A spokesman added that the authority is “encouraged by the recent positive momentum to achieve this and will support this in any way we can”.

“This is the first time we have been close to receiving a bona fide planning application in the three years since the fire, despite the efforts of all parties involved,” the spokesman said.

“We know how hard the owners are continuing to work to bring the settlement to a successful conclusion, as well as their keenness to identify and agree a suitable scheme for the site as soon as practicably possible.

“The exact details of the proposals are still being finalised by the owners and their advisers and they include options to demolish some elements of the building, while retaining or reusing others. We are hopeful that the proposal can be finalised in the coming weeks and be submitted as a full planning application as soon as possible.

“We will continue to do everything we can to support a viable project coming forward and will consider all options to allow development of the site with the least disruption possible for the town.”

Following the blaze, the owners of the hotel described their devastation at the loss of the “rare gem”.

“We witnessed our beloved and immensely precious hotel burn down before our eyes,” they said.

“We have lost a rare gem, an iconic lady who looked over our beautiful town and we are all trying to come to terms with this immense loss.

“She was not just a building, but our whole livelihood and business for our family and loyal staff and in a matter of hours it has been ripped away from us.”

The South Downs National Park Authority added that it now has a “much greater understanding of the options available to us”.

Fire-damaged buildings in Midhurst (Image: South Downs National Park Auhtority)

“We will also be encouraging those leading the proposal to engage with the local community of Midhurst given the local interest,” a spokesman said.

“As the local planning authority, we are open to any quality scheme coming forward and we want a proposal that the town can truly be proud of and can be here for the next century or more.

“Last year the South Downs National Park Authority granted listed building consent for the partial demolition of the former tuck shop/Olive and Vine, next to the Angel Inn, following an application by the site owners. We’re hopeful that this imminent new planning application can be considered as swiftly as possible.”

Chichester District Council said it has a grant available for town centre businesses in the evening and nighttime economy.

“We would encourage any eligible businesses within Midhurst to find out more and apply if they feel it would benefit them by going to www.chichester.gov.uk/fundingopportunities ,” a council spokesman said.

“In addition, we also have an economic development officer whose role is to provide support to individual businesses. Again, if there are any businesses in Midhurst that feel they need some assistance we strongly encourage them to get in touch by emailing business.support@chichester.gov.uk  or calling 01243 534669.”