France’s incoming culture minister says there is a “large consensus” that the spire of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris should be rebuilt as it was before last year’s devastating fire.

Roselyne Bachelot told French radio on Thursday that “there was a large consensus in public opinion and among those deciding” the issue for the spire to be rebuilt.

Her comments came hours before a commission that is set to rule on the thorny question was due to meet.