FIVE months after fire devastated an important part of the picture-postcard image of East Meon, planning applications have been submitted to restore the row of 300-year-old, Grade II Listed thatched cottages to their former glory.

The fire, which broke out on Good Friday, was believed to have started in the chimney of one of the properties before quickly ripping through the cottages which are the focal point of East Meon High Street.

Now the owners of 1 and 2 Brook Cottages, and the detached Hockley Cottage, want to reinstate and replace the fire-damaged roof to their properties and carry our other work.

For full story, see this week's Herald.