A HISTORIC pub is set to be demolished after it was destroyed by a devastating fire - but its landlord has assured punters the move is very much "the start" of what he hopes will done be a complete rebuild.

The Hanover Inn, in Church Street, Harwich, was left completely decimated after a catastrophic fire in June 2022, which also affected neighbouring cottages. 

The blaze, which was battled by multiple crews from across the county, left 177 properties without power for hours on end due to safety concerns. 

Now, plans have been submitted to Tendring Council seeking permission to demolish the remains of the popular watering hole in order to make the area safe.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Destroyed - The Hanover Inn (Image: Essex Fire Service)Destroyed - The Hanover Inn (Image: Essex Fire Service) (Image: Essex Fire Service)

In the application, it says: “The site was extensively damaged by fire and requires demolition to redeem the site safe and allow the reopening of Church Street to traffic.” 

Landlord Dave Todd, who has been hopeful of one day rebuilding the pub, said: “Tendring Council has told us the building is dangerous and has to be made safe, so it’s partial demolition works to make the remains of the building safe. 

“I’m not a civil engineer, so I can’t tell you exactly what’s going to be done, but we’ve got people looking at it at the moment to decide what needs to be done.” 

Mr Todd is, however, happy to finally see some kind of development nearly two years after the tragedy. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Optimistic - Landlord Dave Todd (Image: Hanover Inn)Optimistic - Landlord Dave Todd (Image: Hanover Inn) (Image: Hanover Inn)

“It’s the start. It sounds like the end but it’s the big start if you like, the first step to rebuilding," he added.

“The number one priority at the moment is to make what’s there safe. We have been advised both by the council and surveyors there needs to be some demolition first and then we can make plans to rebuild.” 

How work will continue after the demolition of the pub’s remains is yet to be determined. 

Dave said: “We need to see what we’re left with. But we’re very much looking forward to finally seeing something being done because we’re coming up to two years now. 

“So to see some work finally start will be a big relief to everybody, I think, especially everyone connected with the Hanover.”