A former care home in Rake which was gutted following a suspected arson attack could be restored to its former glory according to an encouraging report.

One of the biggest fires in the village’s history took place on August 19 when around 60 firefighters from across the county fought a major blaze at Heathmount.

Only the facades of the once-grand building remain with the fire gutting its interior, roof and internal floors.

But the landmark could yet be saved as a firm looking to redevelop the London Road site has made a “Statement of Intent” to the South Downs National Park Authority.

AYG Holdings Beeches Ltd submitted plans in May to create 27 homes by demolishing the adjacent Copper Beaches and Silver Birch buildings and converting Heathmount into housing.

Heathmount Fire Rake Alton Fire Station
Around 60 firefighters fought the blaze at the Heathmount site in Rake. (Alton Fire Station)

And despite the fire it appears the objectives remain the same with property consultants, Vail Williams, saying the applicants are keen to make “necessary works”.

“It is the applicant’s intention that Heathmount will be restored and converted to deliver the development proposed in the application currently being determined,” said David Ramsay in the statement to the SDNPA.

“We aim to deliver this either though the repair and refurbishment of the remaining structure.”

He added: “Alternatively, should investigations conclude that this is necessary, there will be a carefully managed reconstruction incorporating salvaged and reclaimed materials, whenever practicable.”

While the statement is likely to be welcomed locally, the fire has led to some new objections with a neighbour raising concerns about water supplies in the area.

Robert Daron told the SDNPA that firefighters were worried about running out of water while fighting the blaze, with embers from the fire getting “alarmingly” close to his adjoining property and a neighbour’s.

Urban Explorers Rake Heathmount Exploring Sussex
A still from online footage posted by urban explorers, Exploring Sussex, from inside the fire-damaged Heathmount building off London Road. (Exploring Sussex)

He said: “At some stage around 1am a fire officer informed me they were running of out water, even with very long hoses running back down to the hill on London Road to lower-level fire hydrants.

“I subsequently saw huge water tanker lorries clearly bringing imported water into a huge prefabricated water tank set up the road.

“This can only confirm our existing serious water supply issues and if South East Water could not produce sufficient water supply for this fire, it is ridiculous to expect it to be able to service 27 additional properties.”

Some questions have also been raised about security as a group of urban explorers recently posted footage on social media from inside the building, showing the devastation caused by the blaze.

An 18-year-old male from Portsmouth and a 19-year-old from Hayling Island were both arrested on suspicion of arson in the days after the blaze. Both have been released on conditional bail until mid-November with investigations continuing.

For more details about the application for 27 homes and to comment, look for SDNP/26/02039/FUL through the ‘search planning applications’ link at www.southdowns.gov.uk