THE reconstruction of a historic Whitchurch building could soon be completed after back-to-back planning applications were submitted last month.

Bere Mill, in London Road, was severely damaged by fire in February last year, leaving the mill house, the mill and the west barn in need of repair.

Last month applications were lodged covering retrospective works that have already been carried out on the mill house, with further documents submitted addressing “the second phase of works.”

The retrospective plans, dated April 8, state that in May 2018 it was agreed during a meeting with Basingstoke and Deane conservation officer Daniel Ayre that repair and construction work of the mill house “could commence immediately.” Work was carried out on a like-for-like basis using traditional construction techniques and salvaged materials where possible.

Another application, also dated April 8, sets out the plan for the “second phase” of reconstruction, concerning the mill and west barn.

It proposes that “an exact like-for-like replacement is not feasible” due to the extent of the fire, and therefore there will be “minor changes” to reflect “the challenges of conserving what has survived.”

Rupert Nabarro, who owns the mill, said: “With the mill house, we have restored it to exactly as it was. The second stage is much trickier.

“The aim is to make it as close as can possibly be to how it was before.”

Bere Mill will remain open while work is completed, with the Hampshire Country and Garden Festival taking place in the property’s gardens on June 8 and 9.