A house that was gutted by a blaze in March less than a year ago will be demolished and replaced with a four-bedroom home.

Cambs Times: The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALLThe house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALL (Image: Archant)

The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019.

Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee meeting at Fenland Hall on January 29.

But planners recommended refusal, stating they were concerned there could be "potential harm" on Grade I listed St Wendreda's Church to the left of the site.

District councillor John Clark, who spoke at the meeting, disagreed with the objection, saying it would "enhance the local area".

Cambs Times: The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALLThe house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALL (Image: Archant)

"In my view it will look better and mirror image the properties that are already opposite," he said.

He even referred to Tommy Walsh's eco dream house built the other side of the historic church more than ten years ago.

"I see no reason why planning cannot be approved for this as Tommy Walsh's house went through which is nearer to the church," Cllr Clark added.

The new house will have a more "modern and practical design", owner Kevin Harpham said.

Cambs Times: The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALLThe house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALL (Image: Archant)

He explained: "I am very grateful everyone who has helped me over the past year, including the planning committee.

"It was a devastating time for the family but we are now looking forward to a better year than last."

Building is set to start in the next few months once archaeological investigations have taken place.

Cambs Times: The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALLThe house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALL (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALLThe house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALL (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: The house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALLThe house in Church Street that was built in 1901 was completely destroyed by the fire in April 2019. Proposals submitted by the Harpham family to rebuild the house were approved at the planning committee. Here is what it will look like when rebuilt. Picture: MORTON AND HALL (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Fire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: CLARE BUTLER.Fire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: CLARE BUTLER. (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Fire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: PETER WESTFire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: PETER WEST (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: Fire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: PETER WESTFire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: PETER WEST (Image: HARRY RUTTER)

Cambs Times: Fire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: PETER WESTFire-savaged house in March to be replaced with new family home. Picture: PETER WEST (Image: Archant)