Owners of a listed stately home in the Herefordshire countryside devastated by fire at the start of the year have begun moves to restore it.

Sir John and Lady Ann Foley of the Eau Withington Court northeast of Hereford have applied for consent to begin making safe and managing the “surviving historic fabric” of the grade II listed building.

The fire in January destroyed much of the upper storeys of the three-storey building, leaving “extensive” fire, smoke and water damage, which has since caused “extensive mould and fungal growth” inside the house.

A temporary roof installed in March “has aided safe access and the drying out of the house”, a report with the application says.

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“It is a matter of urgency that the property is repaired and made habitable so that the owners can move back into their home as soon as possible,” it adds.

The application says council officials made an initial site visit to inspect the extent of the fire damage and “discuss proposals for opening up and repair” last month.

A further application detailing full repairs to the house, parts of which date from the 17th century, is expected to follow later.

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“Where historic fabric is beyond repair due to significant damage, matching fabric will be used which sits sympathetically with the remaining material,” the application explains.

However there will be “minor internal alterations” proposed including a new lift between the ground and first floor “within the existing cupboard spaces”.

Comments on the current application, numbered 231554, can be made until June 29.