Work could start later this year on rebuilding a Hartford pub that was destroyed by fire.

The Spirit Group, owners of the Hartford Mill at Hartford Marina, Banks End, has applied for planning permission to build an almost identical pub on the now vacant land – the remainder of the old building was demolished following the fire in August.

A planning application has been lodged with Huntingdonshire District Council asking for permission for a rebuild on a like-for-like basis. If granted, it would allow for a pub and restaurant to be rebuilt in the same position where the old building stood.

The application also includes a car park with 86 spaces.

There has been a pub on the site for about 15 years.

A fire broke out at the pub in the early hours of August 8. Nine people, including general manager Colin Woodcock, 61, and his wife Kim, 49, escaped from the pub unharmed.

More than 40 firefighters from eight crews worked together for more than four hours to battle the blaze but the pub, living quarters and the roof of the building were destroyed. The fire was caused by electrical equipment.