Listed building consent is being sought to repair the University Community Sailing Club on Brightlingsea’s Waterside, which was badly damaged by a fire in April.

The Grade II listed building – a former sail loft thought to date from at least the latter half of the 19th century – suffered damaged to the roof , around a third of the external timber cladding, ceiling joists, wiring, doors, windows and internal finishes in the blaze.

The building was empty at the time of the fire, and investigators found the cause was accidental.

The application to Tendring District Council says that works will involve “minimum intervention ” and restricted to fire-damaged areas only with like-for-like repairs matching traditional materials and craftsmanship and carried to retain the character of the building and preserve its architectural detailing and proportions.

A “conservation-led” approach will use handmade clay tiles to match originals on the roof and like-for-like replacement of the external cladding with salvage and reuse of original materials wherever possible. Lime-based plaster and breathable paints will be used inside, with surviving doors and windows retained or repaired, and profiles, fixtures and fittings made to match the originals where possible. There’ll be no change to the footprint of the building, or its appearance.

On the application, a heritage impact assessment states: “The building reflects Brightlingsea’s maritime tradition and has longstanding links with sailing and the Cinque Port limb heritage.”

It adds: “The facility provides inclusive sailing opportunities for students, schools, and local people, reinforcing its importance as a living heritage asset.”