Notre-Dame spire must be rebuilt exactly as it was, says chief architect

After fierce debate about 19th-century spire, consensus builds over restoration of fire-torn cathedral

The spire of Notre-Dame in Paris should be rebuilt exactly as it was before fire engulfed the cathedral last year, France's chief architect for historic monuments has told the commission that must decide how the building is to be restored.

Philippe Villeneuve was to tell the National Heritage and Architecture Commission (CNPA) on Thursday his favoured option was a faithful reconstruction of the roof and spire, local media said.