A FORMAL visit by an historic buildings officer will be carried out if fixtures and fittings are being removed from the former Georgian Hotel in Haslemere High Street, Waverley Borough Council promised this week.

Speaking at a joint meeting of town and borough councillors on Tuesday night, Waverley's principal policy officer Peter Hartley, said: "If we find part of the historic fabric of the building has been removed without consent, this would give us rise for concern.

"At the last inspection we carried out we found some kitchen and light fittings had been removed, but if it is panelling which is being removed, we will have to follow that up by asking our historic buildings officer to make a formal visit."

"We are working with Longford to restore the building as a hotel although we are still awaiting the submission of a planning application," Mr Hartley explained.

Mr Hartley said he was not aware of any bids for the purchase of the Georgian made to Longford after councillor Michael Barnes claimed he had heard four bids had been submitted.

Mr Barnes also wanted to know whether there was anything Waverley could do to ensure the former hotel was maintained in a state of good repair in the meantime.

He added: "We keep hearing the Georgian is to be reborn as a hotel but it is a worry for people seeing such a lovely building standing empty."

Mr Hartley said Waverley could issue a listed building repairs notice if it was considered necessary but talks were still continuing with Longford about their plans for the hotel.