Scaffolding was installed outside the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel on Monday (September 28th) as work to renovate the property finally got underway.
This week’s work comes 17 months after the property was left in an unstable condition following a huge fire in April 2008.
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported in July on the renovation plans for the building, pictured below. Several areas of the building (marked in red) are to be removed, while the historical character of the Grade II listed building is retained.
Six planning conditions have been placed on Derek Mead, the owner, to ensure the appearance of the building is preserved. Bosses from Sedgemoor District Council only granted permission for the renovation work on the strict understanding that the conditions must be met.
This work’s commencement of work comes after three-way talks between Sedgemoor District Council, Mr Mead and English Heritage.
It has been boarded up ever since, but Mr Mead told Burnham-On-Sea.com last September that he wants to restore the listed building to its former glory.
