A WEST Somerset bungalow destroyed by fire 18 months ago is to be rebuilt as a one-and-a-half storey new home.

Thistledo, in Five Bells, between Williton and Watchet, was left uninhabitable after a blaze ripped through it in July, 2022.

The 0.6-acre site has remained boarded up and fenced off to the public ever since.

Now, new owners Paul Burnett and Gina Molyneux have been given planning permission by Somerset Council to demolish the ruins and build a new three-bedroom property on the plot.

Planning officer Briony Waterman said although the site was in the countryside outside the Williton development boundary, the proposal was replacing rather than creating a new property and was therefore acceptable.

The boarded up Five Bells, Williton, bungalow destroyed in a 2022 fire.
The boarded up Five Bells, Williton, bungalow destroyed in a 2022 fire. (Matthew Hollands Associates Ltd)

Planning agent Matthew Hollands said: “The proposal will enable the applicants to self-build a sympathetically designed energy efficient sustainable family home, for their retirement.

“The new property will be designed to exceed modern day energy and water efficiency standards, which will be an improvement on the old inefficient property.

“The new property will be fitted with photovoltaic panel renewable technology. An electric car charging point will be provided.”

Mr Hollands said immediate neighbours had been consulted on the plans and were supportive of the project.

Neighbour Anthony Jennings said: “The new house will have a slightly different look to the previous one, but we believe it is very much in keeping with the existing dwellings at Five Bells.

“It is innovative and modern design features will compliment and enhance the nearby houses, including our own, and we very much look forward to seeing the project completed as planned.”

Another neighbour, Penelope White, said: “It is obvious that great care has been taken in the design and that the proposed new building will greatly enhance our small row of houses.

“The new owners have already restored the back garden which had become completely overgrown and are already engaged in sorting out the equally-overgrown bank at the front of the derelict bungalow.”