News that Cameron House Hotel has applied to carry out restoration work following last December’s fatal fire has been welcomed as a positive step for the local economy.

Londoners Richard Dyson and Simon Midgley died in the fire which swept through the five-star hotel leaving it extensively damaged days before Christmas.

Now, in an application to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’s planning department, the hotel’s owners have outlined the work they want to carry out to restore the iconic building.

The owners want to put in new dormer windows and roof terraces, demolish and rebuild walls, and carry out recladding work.

Two applications have been submitted, one for planning permission and another for listed building consent, and a decision is expected by Christmas.

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said Cameron House had been sorely missed from the area’s economic landscape.

He added: “The world-class resort is one of West Dunbartonshire’s biggest employers, sustaining more than 500 jobs, as well as drawing high value visitors to the area to make a significant economic impact.

“We were delighted to hear of the plan to refurbish and reopen next year and, more recently, to see this progressing with the planning applications that have been submitted.

“The plans signal a commitment to re-establish a much-needed five-star provision in the county.”

Mr Scott said the intention to retain the façade and thus keep the character of what had become an iconic loch-side venue was welcome and the Chamber stood ready to do what it could to help.

He said: “Cameron House has been a really important Chamber member and partner over the years.”

Jackie Baillie MSP said it was positive news that plans were being put in place that would see the hotel open for business once again.

She added: “I know that the whole community will be glad to see that the owners of Cameron House are taking steps to bring the hotel back into use.

“While the investigation into the fire is ongoing, we must also remember the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives last December.

“I hope that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will complete their investigations soon and give the families some closure.”

A statement on the hotel’s website states that its hotel premises, along with the leisure club, Great Scots Bar and Cameron Grill, are expected to remain closed until autumn 2019.

The park authority has already given the hotel permission to install a temporary lodge visitor reception area and extend the southern access road, as well as demolish its central tower structure.

A decision is also expected this month on the taking down of the hotel’s roof structure.