Update issued on plans for destroyed Angel Inn in Midhurst

The site of the Angel Inn in Midhurst, which was subject to a major fire in 2023, has lain derelict for more than three years.

However, the park authority says it has now identified an option to bring the site back into use and re-open the adjacent pavement in the shortest time possible.

The authority is part of a project group, which also includes the site owners, their specialist advisers Manorwood and Councillor Yvonne Graveley from West Sussex County Council. 

The decided option is yet to be revealed, but the authority said an application is currently in preparation and will be submitted in the coming months. 

More details about the proposal will be released when the plans are finalised. 

The park authority announced in March that plans were in the works to bring the site back into use.

It has already approved all conditions relating to the dismantling of sections of the building at the rear of Olive and Vine and Blown Away, which will enable repair works to the neighbouring properties to proceed.

Activity is expected to increase on the site in the coming weeks as part of this.

The blaze was tackled by 14 fire engines (Image: Hilton Holloway)

The news marks the first time in more than three years that firm plans for the site are on the table. 

One of the main delays was securing an insurance settlement, which took considerable time to resolve.

The structures were also unable to be demolished without plans in place as they are listed buildings within a conservation area.

The hotel was being used to house around 30 Ukrainian refugees at the time of the fire, who were all safely evacuated.

The blaze took two days to extinguish, with 14 fire engines deployed.