A FAMILY home gutted by a devastating fire could be transformed under new plans to rebuild and extend the property.
The blaze at Rashwood Lodge, near Droitwich, destroyed much of the house in 2023 and sparked an unusual search for a missing monkey, which was later found hiding in a tool shed.
The proposal submitted to Wychavon District Council seeks to rebuild and extend the damaged property to provide suitable accommodation for the now-larger family.
READ MORE: Police issue update after reported sexual assault at Aldi store in Malvern
The house was originally a substantial, detached property accommodating a mother and her partner, her son and daughter, and grandson, along with the partner’s mother.
The blaze at Rashwood Lodge destroyed an estimated 80% of the property. (Image: Wychavon Planning; Clive Berry)
The property was designed with interlinked accommodation, comprising a number of kitchen and bathroom facilities, and a communal lounge.
The proposed reconstruction involves replacing the demolished single-storey part of the building with a smaller-footprint two-storey section at the south end, converting the existing North Store shed, building over it, and infilling the space between it and the main house at both ground- and first-floor levels.
The application states: “The house will have three staircases to provide maximum fire escape opportunity with which the previous house was limited.
BEFORE: Pictures on the planning document show the house before it was damaged in the blaze. (Image: Wychavon Planning; Clive Berry)
READ MORE: Council keen to avoid “horror story” after 408 empty homes bought into use
“Each family unit will have a semi-private accommodation comprising bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens and there will be a large communal lounge and family games room at ground floor level accessed off the main hall.”
What happened at Rashwood Lodge?
A severe fire ripped through the building in Rashwood on May 31, 2023, and several small animals were rescued by firefighters.
A total of 40 firefighters were needed to tackle the blaze and they were at the scene for 24 hours.
BLAZE: Firefighters tackled the fire that ripped through the building in Rashwood on May 31, 2023. (Image: Newsquest)
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said 80 per cent of the property was damaged by fire.
READ MORE: Plans to replace cladding which poses ‘fire safety risk’ on city apartment building
At the time, one of the family members Melanie Dawe, said: “To the fire service, and all that came to our rescue at the Rashwood fire.
“A massive thank you to all concerned for their immediate attendance and risk to their own lives, not just for people, but my dear little animals, not once or twice, but went into the blazing fire numerous times making sure all animals were accounted for and got out safe.
Police and fire personal were in attendance at the blaze at Rashwood Lodge, near Droitwich. (Image: Newsquest)
“After the animals, they went in and tried to retrieve any sentimental items they could for us.
“As well as doing a fantastic job, they were so caring for my family’s welfare for the whole 24 hours they were here.
“By the way guys, we found the escaped monkey the following morning hiding in the tool shed.
“Thankyou, kind wishes, Melanie Dawe and family.”
