THE owners of a landmark hotel that was devastated by a huge fire are to refurbish the building.

Parts of the King’s Hotel, in Darlington town centre, has been hidden by tarpaulin and scaffolding since the blaze in August last year.

Despite investigations by police and fire services, it is still not known how the fire started, although arson is the most likely cause.

Now Northgate Darlington Limited, the hotel’s Londonbased owner has applied for planning permission to revamp the site.

Papers submitted to Darlington Borough Council outline plans to restore the grade II-listed building to its former glory.

Designs completed by DGL Architects, of Leeds, show that the building’s original features will be replaced with matching materials to meet strict conservation rules.

Red brick walls, the slate roof, and timber windows and floorboards all need replacing after large sections of the building were ruined by fire and water damage sustained while the fire brigade fought the flames.

The blaze raged for nearly 17 hours and tore through most of the fourth floor and the roof.

The planning papers state: “The primary objective of the building work is to reinstate the hotel to its pre-fire condition.

“There are very few hotels and function facilities in the centre of Darlington. As such, it is a priority for the vitality of Darlington town centre to reinstate the hotel. The facade of the hotel contributes significantly to the character of the town centre.

“As part of the conservation area, it is important that the facade is restored to its previous condition as soon as possible.”

As part of the revamp, fire escapes and a sprinkler system will be fitted. Ornate plaster ceilings and cornices in the hotel’s ballroom will also be replaced.

No one was hurt in the fire, as staff and fire officers managed to get the 100 guests to safety within minutes.

Shortly after investigations began, Darlington police announced that the blaze was probably caused deliberately, but the authorities now admit that the true cause of the fire may never be known as much of the evidence was destroyed on the night.

Councillors on the authority’s planning committee will meet in the coming months to discuss the application.