An arson-hit diner is set to be rebuilt almost a year after it was destroyed.
Maximum Diner in Uckfield High Street has been closed since the blaze in February last year.
The fire broke out after an intruder broke into the restaurant, and a fire destroyed an outbuilding used for food prep and to house a toilet.
A man was subsequently arrested for arson and burglary, but not charged because of insufficient evidence.
Boss Mustafa Gurol, who has been running the family business since 2001, said at the time he hoped to get it open again as soon as possible – but he was facing a lengthy wrangle with insurers.
Now, a planning application to rebuild the outbuilding, which is more than 100 years old, has been submitted by Fiona Pratt, Mr Gurol’s landlord.
The application, written by planning agents Pyxis Property Consulting, said: “In February 2024, the outbuilding was broken into and subsequently set on fire, destroying the roof and causing substantial damage to the walls, doors and windows.
“The purpose of this application and the proposed works is to reinstate the outbuilding to allow the Diner to reopen and the business to continue.”
It said the outbuilding’s walls’ structural integrity had been damaged by the fire, and by a tree growing out of the boundary wall.
The application proposes demolishing the remains of the building, and replacing it with a new building with the same footprint, but a slightly higher roof.
A police spokesman said: “Police investigated a report of a fire at a premises in Uckfield High Street at about 2.10am on February 27, 2024.
“A 30-year-old man from Crowborough was later arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary.
“Following an investigation, he was released due to insufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution.
“The investigation has now closed, pending any new evidence coming to light.”
