Five teenagers have been charged with arson after a devastating fire tore through a Grade II-listed mansion in south Wales.
Rheola House, near Neath, was left almost entirely destroyed following the blaze on August 18.
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The historic property was designed by celebrated architect John Nash, who was also behind Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.
The fire has dealt a major blow to plans to transform the mansion into an upmarket retreat featuring a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and spa.
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The Brook Group, which owns the estate, described the blaze as a “devastating setback” after recently overcoming longstanding obstacles to its redevelopment plans.
Kyle Renzoni, 18, Ellis Harding, 19, Yian Foster, 18, and Evan Traynor, 18, have all been charged in connection to the blaze.
A fifth suspect, aged 17, cannot be identified because of his age.
All five have been charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
The Brook Group’s chief executive Jason Brook praised South Wales Police following the arrests.
He said: “We would also like to commend and applaud the swift actions of South Wales Police which has lead to the apprehension of five people who have now been charged.”
Mr Brook also spoke of his frustration at the timing of the blaze after a number of issues which had stalled the redevelopment were recently resolved.
He said: “The damage to the main house is extremely significant.
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“We will now be taking professional advice on the consequences of the fire and will liaise with the appropriate authorities to determine the next steps.”
He added: “Our sincere hope is that, despite this devastating setback, we will be able to emerge from this tragedy and continue with our plans for the Rheola Estate and its future.”
Mr Brook also paid tribute to firefighters who tackled the blaze at the isolated property.
He said: “The house is in a remote location, which makes the efforts of fire crews in these circumstances even more challenging, and we are extremely relieved that all of the emergency service personnel who attended are safe.”
Rheola House was constructed between 1812 and 1818, with the surrounding estate covering more than 110 acres.
Welsh heritage body Cadw has described it as “an important early 19th century country house in the picturesque tradition.”
Nash had strong links to Wales, having moved to Carmarthen in 1784 and spent three years working on local commissions before returning to London and securing the patronage of the Prince Regent.
The Brook Group’s plans for the wider estate include 295 lodges, a sports complex, restaurants, commercial areas and the conversion of the mansion into a boutique hotel.
The estate has also been at the centre of an illegal waste dumping case.
Businessman Howard Rees, 65, and cattle farmer Huw Leyshon, 53, were previously convicted of operating a £2.6million illegal waste dumping operation on the grounds, pocketing £1.4million and £1.2million respectively.
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