Plans submitted to partially demolish fire-hit Claremont hotel

Plans have been submitted to partially demolish the fire-ravaged and unstable Claremont hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

The Grade II*-listed property was hit by a fire in November last year, which destroyed much of the hotel, leaving the remaining structure unstable and surrounding roads closed for safety. Parts of the building have continued to collapse, and site debris is now known to be contaminated with asbestos.

The plans are in the process of public consultation until the end of the month with the council’s decision expected next month.

The cause of the fire, which spread rapidly through the Victorian building, is being investigated. All guests and staff at the 72-bedroom hotel were evacuated, with six people treated for minor injuries. At the height of the fire 12 fire crews were battling the blaze, believed to have started in the basement.

The hotel is owned by Jeanne Wilson who, according to the Daish's Holidays group website, acquired the hotel in 2013. The group comprises 10 hotels and 24 luxury coaches.