DISCUSSIONS on the future of a much loved inn in Hatherleigh, which was gutted by fire on Christmas Eve, are due to take place early in the New Year.
The 15th century George Hotel went up in flames on December 24 when the fire quickly spread once its thatched roof was ignited, reducing the building to 'a pile of cob and stone'.
More than 100 firefighters attended the blaze.
The Grade II* Listed building was an historic landmark in the town and discussions on its future will be taking place between the owners and West Devon Borough Council planners.
A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council confirmed that talks with representatives of the hotel owners will take place as soon they can.
She said the primary objective was to make good the neighbouring properties surrounding the George Hotel. The site then must be cleared.
Discussions will then take place between the owners, or their representatives and West Devon planners, to go over the options available for the future of the hotel.
A spokesperson from pub owners Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises said: 'The George Hotel was an important and well known landmark, a unique heritage site and one of the area's oldest buildings, and this is a great loss to us and to the local community.
'At this stage, we are unable to make any decisions about the future of the site until the local council has met with English Heritage later this week. In the meantime, we are doing all we can to ensure the site is safe and secure and we continue to work closely with the local authority, fire service and the police.
'We would also like to thank local people for their continued support and kind wishes.'
The destruction of the historic pub was last week described as 'soul-destroying' by Hatherleigh mayor Deborah Laing-Trengrove.
Messages of shock at the news were sent from as far afield as Australia, Holland and America from people who had connections with Hatherleigh.