Engineers from English Heritage have accepted that part of the rear wing of the Three Cups Hotel in Lyme Regis may need to be demolished for structural reasons.

Long and detailed discussions have been held between the building owners, Palmers Brewery, English Heritage and the district council about a proposed redevelopment scheme for the Three Cups and the surrounding site.

Palmers have always intended to preserve and restore the historic front section of the building, facing on to Broad Street. Parts of the rear section are structurally unsound.

Palmers’ property agent Nigel Jones, a director of Chesterton Humberts, said: ‘Engineers from English Heritage and the district council have now advised us that they understand why some demolition may be necessary, although the extent is a matter for discussion in the light of the overall scheme.

‘As a result, and as agreed with English Heritage, we are now producing a design framework for the rear part of the site. We’ve commissioned a 3D computerised model of the site and surrounding area. This will enable the architects to take into account the interests of all the neighbouring properties and agree the massing and extent of any new development with district council officers and English Heritage.

‘When that is completed, we can produce a detailed design to take to public consultation later this spring.’